Rare Iron Frame Henry Lever Action Rifle that was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. during the first months of production, April-May 1862. This rifle has the iron frame and buttplate found on very early Henry rifles. The New Haven Arms Co. is believed to have manufactured Henry rifles with brass and iron frames concurrently during the first months of production. Known serial numbers for iron frame Henry rifles run from "2" to "355". Experts believe that the New Haven Arms Co. manufactured as many as 400 iron frame rifles. Approximately 90 iron frame rifles have been identified in contemporary collections. This rifle has a 24-inch octagon barrel with integral 15-shot magazine along with the distinctive features found on the early iron and brass frame Henry rifles. These features include: (1) alternate rear sight dovetail in the receiver, (2) iron buttplate with rounded heel and hinged trapdoor, (3) lever without a projection to engage a lever latch, (4) lack of lever latch on the lower tang, (5) small diameter brass cartridge follower, (6) straight rectangular follower cut in the bottom of the receiver, (7) small diameter trigger pin and (8) serial numbered buttplate and tang screws. The barrel has a brass front sight blade and a dovetail mounted folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch. The rifle, correctly, is not fitted with a sling swivel or loop for a sling hook which were special order features on early Henry rifles. The iron receiver originally had a high polish blue finish. The barrel/magazine are blued. The hammer, trigger, lever and buttplate are color casehardened. The stock is straight grain American walnut with a varnish finish. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the legend: "HENRY'S PATENT OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS. CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The legend is the early smaller style which utilizes block letters for "NEWHAVEN" in the address and serifed letters for the balance of the markings. The serial number "119" is hand-stamped on the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the receiver, on the inside of the buttplate heel and on the shanks of the buttplate and tang screws (the stock was not removed to examine the serial number stamped on the left side of the lower tang and in the upper tang recess of the stock). The butt trap contains the four-piece, hickory cleaning rod furnished with early to mid-production Henry rifles. 3/6/17: Read Our Latest Blog On Iron Frame Henry Rifles: https://www.rockislandauction.com/blog/the-confederate-iron-frame-henry-rifle/

Fine. The barrel has a silver-gray patina and retains 30% of the original blue finish which is mostly in the protected areas of the barrel. The metal surfaces are smooth and the edges are sharp. The New Haven Arms legend and serial number are both crisp. The barrel loading gate has a few minor dents and scratches. The iron receiver has a good-looking gray brown patina with smooth surfaces. Small amounts of the original high polish blue finish are visible on the lower receiver near the trigger. The sides of the hammer retain about 40% of the original color casehardened finish. The balance of the hammer along with the trigger and lever have a dove-gray patina with smooth metal surfaces. The iron buttplate shows typical wear with patches of dark age discoloration and some pitting on the heel. The straight grain walnut stock is also in fine condition and shows only a few very insignificant handling and storage marks. The stock appears to have much of the crazed original varnish finish. The bore is bright which is very uncommon on a Henry rifle. The Henry rifle was the most advanced long arm available during the American Civil War. Experts believe that most Henry rifles manufactured before 1865 saw military service. Although the Federal government purchased only slightly more than 1700 Henry rifles between 1862 and 1865, individual soldiers were quick to recognize the firepower offered by a 15-shot repeating rifle. Most Henry rifles were privately purchased by Federal soldiers from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Kentucky regiments. Many of the early Iron Frame Henry rifles were shipped to New Haven Arms dealers in Louisville, Kentucky. A few Iron Frame Henry rifles were obtained by Confederate soldiers. All Henry rifles are scarce and historic firearms. However, the limited production Iron Frame rifles are the rarest and most desirable Henry rifles. This fine rifle would be the stand-out piece in the most advanced collection of Winchester rifles.