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AUCTION ITEM
Premiere Firearms Auction (April 25, 26 & 27 2009)
Lot #: 3274
Estimated Price: $35,000 - $55,000
Fine U.S. Martial Serial Number Range Henry Lever-Action Rifle
LOT SOLD
Serial #: 3588 Manufacturer: New Haven Arms Co.
Model: Henry Rifle Type: Rifle
Gauge: 44 Henry Catalog Page: 171
Barrel Length: 24 inch Finish: blue
Grip: N/A Stock: walnut
Sell Date: Monday, April 27, 2009
Condition Rating:  
Description: A rare example of one of the 800 U.S. Martial Contract Henry rifles with U.S. martial inspection marks. On December 30, 1863, the Chief of Ordnance ordered 800 Henry Rifles from the New Haven Arms Company. These rifles were issued to the 1st District of Columbia Cavalry Regiment in March, 1864. The 1st D.C. Cavalry was originally raised to combat Confederate partisan rangers like Col. John S. Mosby around Washington D.C. The 1st D.C. Cavalry participated in the Richmond Campaign in the spring and summer of 1864, suffered heavy losses and was eventually merged with the 1st Maine Cavalry. The 1st D.C./1st Maine Cavalry saw extensive combat and many of the Henry Rifles were captured by the Confederate forces. The 1st D.C. Cavalry was the only federal unit entirely armed with Henry Rifles during the Civil War. All ordnance inspected U.S. Contract Henry Rifles are in the 3000-4000 serial number range. The U.S. Contract Henry rifles had the initials of the ordnance inspector, "C.G.C." (Charles G. Chapman) stamped on the right side of the barrel just ahead of the receiver. They also usually have a Henry "H" inspection mark stamped on the right side of the barrel just below the "C.G.C." markings and on the right side of the receiver opposite the government inspection marks. This rifle shows all such markings. A third "H" is stamped in the same position of the left side of the receiver. The rifle has the early pattern buttplate with round heel, locking lever latch and single rear sight dovetail on the barrel. The left side of the stock is fitted with a sling swivel and a sling loop that is screwed to the left side of the barrel. The original folding adjustable left sight has been replaced with a period fixed, buckhorn rear sight. The top barrel flat is marked: "HENRY'S PATENT.OCT.16.1860/MANUFACT'D. BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The serial number, "3588" is located on the top of the barrel behind the rear sight, on the lower left side of the receiver tang underneath the stock, in the stock inlet and on the inside of the buttplate. All of the serial numbers match. Both of the buttplate screws are numbered "3588". The rifle has a four piece iron cleaning rod with brass tip issued with late production Henry Rifles.
Condition: Near fine overall. The barrel has a very attractive, deep brown age patina. Metal surfaces are smooth and free from pitting and the edges of the barrel flats are sharp. Traces of the original blue finish are visible in protected areas. There are some old vise marks on both sides of the barrel just ahead of the receiver. The New Haven Arms address, serial number and inspection marks are crisp. The rear sight has the same age patina as the barrel and appears to be contemporary to the rifle. The hammer and loading lever have a gray-brown patina with traces of the original casehardening colors. The brass receiver and buttplate have not been polished and have a mellow and very attractive age patina. The edges of the side plates are tight and have minimal battering. The receiver and buttplate have only light to moderate handling wear and are generally free from dents or scratches. The stock is fine and has moderate handling wear overall. There is a deep gouge in the left side behind and below the sling swivel. There is a small chip in the toe just ahead of the buttplate and a minor, hairline crack on either side of the chip. U.S. Contract Henry rifles typically show the service wear received during the Civil War and are rarely seen in very good condition. This is a superior example of one of the most desirable of all Civil War small arms. The U.S. Contract Henry rifle is one of the very few Civil War weapons that can be definitely associated with a specific military unit.
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