This rifle was manufactured c. December 1864 and falls between rifles 7412 and 7415 identified on page 75 of Wiley Sword's "The Historic Henry Rifle" as reported by the 3rd Regiment U.S. Veteran Volunteers in 1865. Rifles 7416, 7418, and 7419 are also all reported on the list. Most of the Henry rifles produced during the "War Between the States" are believed to have been purchased by Union soldiers looking to get their hands on the most advanced weapons available. While the Henry was more complex and fragile than a rifle-musket, its rapid fire ability was sought after for close in fighting, and they proved useful both in stopping and conducting assaults. This rifle features a squareback blade front sight, the later production two-line address with all serif letters, notch and folding ladder rear sight with 900 yard top notch, the serial number on top of the barrel at the breech, larger diameter follower and corresponding milling for the frame, later production frame without an alternate sight dovetail, thumb screw lever latch and "H" on the lower tang, a sling hook loop on the left side of the barrel and corresponding sling swivel on the left side of the smooth walnut buttstock, and later pointed heel buttplate with a lid for the stock compartment which contains a four-piece joined steel cleaning rod with one tip brass and the other slotted. The included letter from LeRoy Merz states "I have carefully examined this gun and in my opinion, it is 100% correct and original in every aspect with all matching serial numbers, correct sling swivels on the barrel as well as the stock, very good shootable bore and original sights." Provenance: The David L. DeLullo Jr. Collection

Good with mottled dark brown patina on the iron, minor oxidation, attractively aged patina on the frame and buttplate, solder at the front sight base, and general mild overall wear. The stock is very good and has light scratches and dings, a small crack at the toe, and most of the finish. Mechanically fine.