This original walnut stock is for a U.S. contract New Haven Henry lever action rifle. The tiny "AWM" inspection mark is clearly legible on the left side of the wrist. The stock features an early style trapdoor brass buttplate with rounded heel and provisions for a sling swivel on the left side. The stock inlet has the serial number "9340." The serial number was originally struck in error as the factory restamped the "3". Henry rifles were issued to the 3rd U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry (VVI) regiment. The serial number of this stock (9310)falls within the serial number range of 8400-9400 listed by Wiley Sword on page 74 of "The Historic Henry Rifle" as issued to the 3rd VVI in 1865. The 3rd VVI was one of nine Veteran Volunteer regiments recruited in early 1865 to serve as an elite corps of experienced infantry. The VVI regiments were issued Sharps, Spencer or Henry rifles. As an enlistment incentive, VVI soldiers were allowed to retain their rifles on discharge. The 3rd VVI was organized in February 1865 at Camp Stoneman, District of Columbia, and was stationed in the Shenandoah Valley and Washington defenses before it was mustered out of service at Camp Butler, Illinois, in July 1866.