Manufactured in early 1863, this highly sought after Henry rifle has the early style brass receiver with rear sight dovetail and early style buttplate with rounded heel. The rifle has the factory sling swivel on the left side of the stock and the sling hook loop screwed to the left side of the barrel (missing the staple). The rifle has a fixed German silver front sight and dovetail rear sight in the barrel seat. The barrel has the proper small script two line Henry's Patent barrel address. The right side plate is period inscribed by a jewelers hand "From/ Stilman Witt Esq./ TO/ Frank. W. Smith./124 O.V.I. Feby. 8th/64". Stillman Witt, an Ohio resident was a well known and respected businessman, philanthropist, and progressive. Born sometime in the first decades of the 19th century Stillman Witt worked as an engineers' apprentice on bridge building. With the emergence of the railroad in the 1840's, Witt relocated to Cleveland and formed the firm Harbach, Stone & Witt, which were responsible for building the Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad, the Cleveland, Painesville & Ashabula Railroad, and the Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad, all of which Witt would eventually manage. Witt was a large contributor to Cleveland area charities especially local women charities such as the YWCA. The rifle is inscribed as being presented on February 8th, 1864, which is four days after Frank W. Smith mustered into the 124th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1844 Smith mustered in at the age of 20 with his given occupation listed as "clerk". Smith was appointed Corporal, then 1st Sergeant May 1, 1864. His service records lists him as missing in action, later updated to wounded and captured May 27, 1864 at the battle of Pickettsmill, Paulding County Georgia. Pickettsmill was a landslide victory for the confederates who repulsed a union attack trying to collapse Joseph E. Johnstons Army of Tennessee right flank. Estimates place union losses at approximately 1500 and the confederates at 500. As the Henry Rifle was "cutting-edge" technology, it was in all likelihood carried into battle that day by 1st Sergeant Frank W. Smith where by no doubt it was "liberated" from his hands by a confederate officer. Possibly seeing use as Johnstons Army fought to save Atlanta and push Sherman out of Georgia on his famous march to sea . Smith's record places him in Andersonville for approximately one year, and mustered out of service June 7, 1865, at Camp Chase Ohio, by order of the War Department. Andersonville prison officially called Camp Sumter served as a confederate prisoner of war camp from 1864-1865. The 26 acre, rectangular stockade, was an open air prison considered by many of it's 45,000 captured union inhabitants "as hell on earth". At its peak in August of 1864, while Frank W. Smith was held, Andersonville was the fifth largest city in the confederacy. While only serving as a prison for only 14 months Andersonville was infamously known for disease, malnutrition, starvation and in some cases war crimes. Estimates place approximately 14,000 of its 45,000 inhabitants as deceased. After the war, the Commanding Officer of Andersonville Capt. Henry Wirz, was tried and found guilty for conspiracy, 11 of 13 counts of murder, and war crimes. He was executed in Washington D.C. in July of 1865 after two months of trial. Wirz was only one of two Confederates tried after the war for war crimes (the other was Confederate guerilla Champ Ferguson) . Accompanying this rifle is a print of an original pencil sketch done by the hand of a prisoner of Andersonville, Felix "LaBaume". The original sketch was used as evidence in the trial to convict Capt. Wirz, where eye witness survivors of the camp attested to its accuracy. In the print Frank W. Smith is listed as #33 and is depicted sitting on the ground amongst other soldiers. His caption is listed as "Frank W. Smith, Co. "D" 124 Reg. Ohio Vols. Resides now in Bellevue Ohio, and is giving lectures on prison life." Included in the documentation is a grave registration card for Smith and lists his death as Nov. 2, 1923 in Bellevue, Ohio. Accompanying this rifle is the "Let Us Forgive, But Not Forget" print as well as extensive research and documentation done by a previous owner that includes copies of: national archive records, State of Ohio service records, as well as written correspondents from Frank W. Smith to the pension department, and various other information on Stillman Witt.

Very good plus. The barrel has traces of blue with the balance having been cleaned some time ago and is mostly a mottled gray patina but still displays traces of aged darkened plumb patina all in sheltered areas. The cartridge follower is missing from the magazine. There are some overall small handling marks and dings down the length. The barrel address and serial number are still sharp and clear. The receiver is an attractive mustard yellow color with some scattered handling marks and scuffs. The well executed inscription is sharp, clear and genuine. The side plates are original showing no signs of polishing and fit together snugly. The hammer and lever are now a mottled gray/dark patina. The stock is very fine with most of the original varnish, with pressure marks and scuffs overall. The buttplate's brass patina matches the frame. Mechanically needs minor work. The history of this wonderfully inscribed presentation Henry rifle is incredible. This historical Civil War Henry rifle and accoutrements should be in a museum as it is a remarkable piece of American History and a National Treasure!