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Lot 23:New Haven Arms Co. Henry Rifle Rifle 44 Henry RF

May 5th, 2017|Rock Island, IL

Lot 23:New Haven Arms Co. Henry Rifle Rifle 44 Henry RF

May 5th, 2017|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$18,000 - $27,500

Early Production Henry Lever Action Rifle

This is a desirable example of a Henry lever action rifle that was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. in September 1862. Manufactured during the fourth month of production, this rifle displays all of the distinctive features found on the very desirable early Henry rifles. This rifle has the early, first style brass receiver with alternate rear sight dovetail and straight magazine follower slot. The octagon barrel and integral 15-shot magazine have the small diameter brass magazine follower, nickel-silver half-moon front sight and rear sight dovetail located behind the New Haven Arms legend. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with first style address: "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT' BY THE NEW HAVEN ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT." just ahead of the rear sight dovetail. This address is slightly shorter (2-17/32 inches vs. 3-9/32 inches) than the second style address introduced at about serial number 3000 and has the second "NEW HAVEN" marking in block letters rather than the serif letters used for the remainder of the address. The straight grain, American walnut stock has the first style brass buttplate with rounded heel. The buttplate has a hinged brass trapdoor. The serial number "819" is stamped on: (1) the top barrel flat between the rear sight dovetail and the receiver, (2) the left side of the lower receiver tang, (3) the stock in the upper tang inlet, (4) the inside of the buttplate heel and (5) the shanks of the hand fitted buttplate and receiver screws. All of the visible serial numbers match. The receiver, stock and buttplate serial numbers are larger than the barrel serial number and utilize a slightly different font. The first style, folding leaf rear sight mounted in the receiver dovetail has a rounded top, small v-shaped sight notches on the leaf and elevator bar and is stamped "1000" on top of the leaf and "100" on the bottom of the leaf. The rifle lacks the special order sling swivel and screw fastened hook for a sling hook fitted to the left side of the stock and barrel which were not standard features on Henry rifles until early in 1864.

ConditionVery good plus. This rifle shows wear that is typical on very early production Henry rifles. The barrel and integral magazine have a crisp silver-gray patina overall with some scattered patches of light pitting and age discoloration. The barrel edges are sharp, and the New Haven Arms Co. address and rifle serial number are both very crisp and original. The brass receiver and buttplate have an attractive polished appearance. The receiver side plate joints are generally tight. Both the receiver and buttplate have scattered spots of pitting and age discoloration. The pitting is heaviest on the buttplate heel and are present on both sides of the receiver. The lever has a gray-brown patina with light pitting. The trigger and hammer are smooth and retain traces of the original casehardened finish. The screw heads are lightly pitted but the serial numbers on the shanks remain legible. The stock is fine overall with light-moderate handling marks and retains about 80% of the original varnish finish. Early production Henry rifles are scarce and very desirable. This is a solid representative example of a classic Civil War era firearm, one that an individual would be proud to own!

Details

ManufacturerNew Haven Arms Co.

ModelHenry Rifle

TypeRifle

Serial number

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge44 Henry RF

Barrel24 inch octagon

Finishblue/casehardened

Stockvarnished walnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL