This Henry Lever Action rifle was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., during the first year of production c. November 1862. The rifle has the distinctive brass receiver and crescent buttplate with blued octagon barrel and integral 15-shot magazine. The barrel is fitted with the first style half-moon nickel silver front sight. The early, first pattern folding leaf rear sight is mounted in the barrel dovetail. The rear sight has a 1000 yard marking below the center notch and elevation bar with rounded edges. The magazine has the early, small diameter, brass follower and the receiver has the first style, rectangular follower cut. The early receiver has the alternate position dovetail for the rear sight that was present on Henry rifles into the low 3000 serial number range. The receiver has the spur lever and lever latch that were adopted about serial number 400. The first style brass buttplate has the round heel. The straight grain walnut stock has the early 'Perch Belly' profile. The stock and barrel are not fitted with the sling swivel and loop for sling hook, which were special order items on early production Henry rifles. The serial number, "1110" is stamped: (1) on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the receiver, (2) on the left side of the lower tang inside the stock, (3) in the upper tang inlet of the stock, (4) on the inside of the buttplate at the heel and (5) on the shanks of the buttplate and tang screws. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel and the loading sleeve have matching assembly numbers. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the first style legend: "HENRY'S PATENT OCT.16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS.CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." in two lines. The first style legend is smaller than the legend introduced around serial number 4000 and has the second "NEWHAVEN" in Gothic letters without serifs with the rest of the legend has Roman (serifed) letters. Experts believe that the majority of the standard production Henry rifles manufactured between 1862 and 1865 saw some service during the Civil War. The Henry rifle was the most advanced firearm available during the Civil War. Many Federal soldiers used their own money to obtain the unparalleled firepower offered by the 15-shot Henry lever action rifle. Henry rifles were especially popular with Federal soldiers from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan; several regiments from these states were armed with significant numbers of privately purchased Henry rifles.

Fine. This rifle is all original and remains in fine condition. Due to the fact that many, if not most, of the Henry rifles manufactured during the Civil War saw military service, Henry rifles typically show considerable handling wear. This rifle is in outstanding condition for an early production Henry. The barrel has a mottled, gray brown, patina; the edges are sharp, metal surfaces are free from pitting and barrel lagend and serial number are clear. The front and rear sights are original to the rifle. The brass receiver and forearm have an attractive, un-polished patina. The receiver and side plates have a few scattered, minor, handling marks. The upper edges of both side plates have some dents and tiny pry-marks that indicate the side plates were probably removed during the working life of the rifle. The buttplate has minor handling wear. The hammer, trigger and lever have a smooth brown patina. The stock is in very good condition with scattered, minor, handling marks. This is a good looking, original, example of a first year production Henry rifle that would compliment any advanced Winchester or U.S. martial arm collection.