This rifle is one of an estimated 300 manufactured in July 1864 (see page 72 of "The Historic Henry Rifle" by Sword). The rifle features a squareback blade front sight, notch and folding ladder rear sight, the two-line address and Henry patent marking with all serif letters, matching serial numbers (barrel, lower tang, upper tang stock mortise, and buttplate), the correct pattern frame without the alternate sight dovetail and with the milling for the larger follower, rotating lever latch on the lower tang, sling loop on the left side of the barrel, sling swivel on the left side of the buttstock, and the later production buttplate with pointed heel and trapdoor (compartment empty). By the middle of the Civil War, the Henry had gained the attention of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The Union troops had much better access and used them more widely. When Confederates troops could capture Henry rifles and ammunition, they put them to use, particularly after 200+ Henry rifles were captured from the 1st D.C. Cavalry during the famous "Beefsteak Raid" in September 1864, and Jefferson Davis's bodyguards were among the Confederate units armed with Henry rifles as the war came to a close. Many remained in use during Reconstruction following the war, particularly in the West during the Indian Wars where they were used by both settlers and native warriors.

Very good with some original blue finish and dark brown patina on the barrel and magazine tube, dark dried oil residue, replacement screw on the side of the barrel, attractively aged patina on the fine frame and buttplate, and fairly mild overall wear. The re-oiled stock is also very good and has light scratches and dings, minor flakes at the edges, and small cracks in the toe. Mechanically fine. Overall, a very nice Civil War era Henry lever action rifle