This is an extraordinary example of an original deluxe factory engraved running deer panel scene Henry lever action rifle that was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. in late 1864 or early 1865. Now accompanied by an R.L. Wilson Letter which confirms the authenticity of this rifle and further emphasizes the ultra rare deluxe features which include: gold plating, factory engraving, and a select grade varnished walnut stock. As Wilson states "from surviving specimens and from what few records exist, it is evident that engraved, nickel- silver, or gold finished and specially stocked Henry Rifles are a considerable rarity. Most Henry Rifles were made with plain, unfinished, brass frames and buttplates. These factors should be coupled with the fact that the number of Henry Rifles manufactured was itself a quite limited quantity- made from 1860-1866, the total out put was only around 14,000. Presented before you is a considerable rarity not only in the field of Winchester Collecting but in any advanced form of arms collecting. This rifle is illustrated on page 47 of "THE WINCHESTER BOOK" by George Madis and the author writes "Henry rifle serial number, "7008" has nearly identical engraving and is illustrated on page 23 of "THE BOOK OF WINCHESTER ENGRAVING" by R. L. Wilson. Both rifles were factory engraved by Samuel J. Hogson and feature bordered scrollwork on a punch-dot background on with grape leaf designs on the forward frame panels and a game scene with a leaping buck on the left side plate. The brass frame and buttplate are gold-plated, the barrel and integral magazine are blued and the hammer and lever are case-hardened. The rifle has a highly figured, select grade walnut stock with high polish, piano finish. The rifle has the late style buttplate with pointed heel, second style receiver which lacks the alternate rear sight dovetail, large magazine follower, folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch and screw and second style, nickel silver, square-back, front sight blade. The left side of the stock has a factory sling swivel and the left side of the barrel has a screw-fastened factory loop for a sling hook. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "HENRY'S PATENT OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN. ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." ahead of the rear sight. The legend is the late second style with all serifed letters. The serial number, "7009" is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and on the internal lower left side tang, the frame and on the inside of the buttplate. The initials "F.G." are factory stamped on the internal left side of upper frame tang. The late style caphead tang and buttplate screws are correctly not serial numbered (the stock was not removed to view the serial numbers on the lower tang and stock).

Very fine. The frame has a extremely attractive patina with 30% of the original gold plated finish in protected areas. The buttplate retains about 50% of the gold-plated finish. The engraving is sharp and deep. The side plate joints on the frame are perfect. The blue finish on the barrel and integral magazine remains 60% with the balance having aged to a very attractive plum brown patina. The surfaces of the barrel and magazine are smooth and the edges are sharp. The barrel legend and serial number are crisp. The hammer and lever have a mottled gray patina. The fancy grain stock is extremely fine and retains nearly all of the highly polished piano finish. Wear on the stock is limited to some light scratches on the left wrist near the lower tang and some finish wear on the bottom of the stock near the buttplate. This is an outstanding well documented example of a rare deluxe factory engraved Henry lever action rifle.