This is an example of U.S. Martially inspected Henry lever action rifle that was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., of New Haven, Connecticut in 1864. This rifle was part of the Ordnance Department contract for approximately 900 Henry Rifles purchased specifically for issue to the 1st District of Columbia Cavalry Regiment. The 1st D.C. Cavalry was the only Federal unit in the Civil War armed entirely with Henry rifles. The 1st D.C. Cavalry was organized to combat Confederate 'Partisan Rangers' in Northern Virginia, like those led by Col. J.S. Mosby. During the summer of 1864 the 1st D.C. Cavalry was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and fought in a number of actions near Petersburg, Virginia. More than 200 Henry rifles were lost by the 1st D.C. Cavalry during engagements with Confederate Cavalry. These rifles were re-issued to 7th, 11th and 35th Virginia Cavalry. Some of the former 1st D.C. Cavalry rifles subsequently issued to the escort assigned to Confederate President Jefferson Davis when he fled Richmond in April 1865. The Henry rifles manufactured for the 1st D.C. Cavalry contract were the only Henry rifles stamped with Ordnance Department final inspection marks on the stock and barrel. This rifle has an octagon barrel with integral 15-shot magazine, distinctive brass frame and crescent buttplate and walnut stock. The barrel is fitted with a dovetail mounted, folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch. The barrel and stock, correctly, lack the special order sling ring and sling swivel. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEW HAVEN ARMS. CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." ahead of the rear sight. The "C.G.C." inspection mark of Ordnance Inspector Charles G. Chapman is stamped on the right side of the barrel immediately in front of the frame. A New Haven Arms "H" inspection marks is stamped on the right side of the barrel immediately below the "C.G.C." inspection mark. "HH" inspection marks are stamped on the right side of the frame just behind the barrel marks. A "C" sub-inspection mark is stamped on the right side of the buttplate heel. The serial number, "3208" is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight dovetail and the frame. "3208" is stamped on the inside of the buttplate, on the left side of the of the frame tang, in the upper tang inlet of the stock, and on the shanks of both buttplate screws. All of the visible serial numbers match. The initials "LWG" are faintly visible on upper left side plate. The initials are formed with shallow punch-marks and are contemporary to the rifle. An oval silver plate inscribed: "Mr. John Lailer" is attached to the stock by two screws. The totally original plate is fitted and well engraved and appears to be a period but post-Civil War addition (many of the inscriptions and decorations found on Civil War Henry rifles were added by veterans after the war). Research on this individual is not available at time of description, but should be done as it could prove beneficial.

Good. The barrel and magazine have a dark and very attractive patina. Both the barrel and magazine have scattered light pitting; the New Haven Arms legend, the serial number, the "C.G.C." and "H" inspection marks are faint but legible. The front sight blade is missing. The rear sight is original to the rifle but is missing the elevation bar. The brass frame and butt have not been polished and have a deep and very attractive patina. The frame is in very good condition; wear is limited to a few minor dents and scratches along the upper edge of the side plates. The hammer retains traces of the original casehardened finish. The loading lever has a dark patina with light pitting. The stock is also in good condition with only a few, very minor, scratches. The stock appears to have been lightly sanded and re-oiled when the inscription plate was added. The cartouche on the right stock wrist of 1st D.C. Cavalry contract rifles is no longer visible. This is a scarce, original and good looking example of the very desirable Identified U.S. Contract Henry lever action rifle.