This is a desirable early production, three digit serial numbered Henry rifle that was manufactured in 1862. The rifle has the early first style brass receiver featuring a rear sight dovetail slot holding a first style folding ladder sight graduated to 1,000 yards and small "V" sight notches. The barrel is fitted with a German silver front sight and is marked on the top flat "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT' BY THE NEW HAVEN ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT." and the serial number at the breech. The barrel lacks a dovetail slot for a rear sight. Matching serial numbers are found on the barrel, tang and buttplate screws and buttstock. The straight grain, American walnut stock has the first style brass buttplate with rounded heel. 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. Oliver Winchester had limited success marketing the Henry rifle to the Ordnance Department. However, from the start of regular production in March 1862, the rifle was favorably received by federal soldiers who appreciated the firepower offered by the 15-shot lever-action repeating rifle.

About good. The receiver is good and exhibits an attractively aged patina. The bright metal surfaces show a few scattered areas of heavy marks in the barrel extension. The refinished stock is fair showing a couple cracks along the grain, a small missing chip near the toe and a few minor dings. The action needs work as extractor is missing and the hammer does not hold at full cock.