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The stock is oil-finished, straight grain, American walnut. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: “HENRY’S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT’D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS. CO.” in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The second line of the legend appears to have been factory rolled twice (legitimate error) and very faint outlines of the marking are visible below it. The roll marking legend error was performed by New Haven Arms and is interesting to say the least! The serial number is stamped: (1) on the top barrel behind the rear sight, (2) on the left side of the lower receiver rail underneath the stock, (3) in the upper stock inlet, and (4) on the inside of the buttplate below the lower screw hole.
All of the visible serial numbers match. The buttplate and tang screws are the later cap head style and are correctly not serial numbered. Oliver Winchester’s “W” inspection mark is stamped on the lower receiver tang behind the lever latch. The Henry lever action rifle was the most advanced firearm manufactured during the Civil War. Most of the Civil War production Henry rifles were privately purchased by individual Federal soldiers who appreciated the firepower of the 15-shot lever action magazine rifle. Following the Civil War, Henry rifles were popular on the frontier.