This deluxe, factory engraved, 1st Model Henry lever action rifle was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company in 1863. This rifle has the early production receiver with rear sight dovetail, and first style buttplate with rounded heel. The buttplate has the standard hinged trapdoor. The magazine has the large diameter follower introduced around serial number 1900, and the receiver has the beveled follower cut. The left side of the stock has a factory sling swivel, and the left side of the barrel has the Henry screw-fastened loop for a sling hook. The barrel has the square back, nickel-silver, front sight blade and third variation folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch and elevator bar with rounded ends. Both the front and rear sights are original to the rifle. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "HENRY'S PATENT.OCT 16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." in two lines. The serial number is stamped on: (1) the top barrel flat behind the rear sight, (2) on the inside of the buttplate at the toe and (3) on the shanks of both hand-fitted buttplate screws (the stock was not removed to examine the serial number on the lower tang and the stock). The upper and lower tang screws are, correctly, not serial numbered. All of the visible serial numbers match. The brass receiver and buttplate have the silver-plated finish found on deluxe, factory engraved Henry rifles. The barrel and integral magazine have a high polish blue finish. The hammer and lever are color casehardened. The stock is highly figured American walnut with a high polish piano finish. This engraving features large scrolls on a punch-dot background with large floral petals on the forward portion of the frame. A leaping deer is engraved on the left side plate. This engraving was executed by Samuel J. Hoggson for the New Haven Arms Co. Very similar engraving and finish are illustrated on Henry rifle serial number 7008 illustrated on pages 30 and 31 of "Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. "JAMES. MALAND" is hand-stamped through the finish on the left side of the barrel ahead of the rear sight.

Extremely fine. This rare deluxe, factory engraved Henry rifle retains 60% of the original blue finish on the barrel and 85% strong original silver-plated finish on the receiver and buttplate. The barrel has scattered age spotting and high-point wear with two small (1 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch) spots of deep pitting on the left barrel flat below the rear sight. The barrel legend and serial number are very crisp. The hand-stamped marking is that of a former owner and not contemporary with the rifle. The silver-plated finish on the receiver and buttplate is tarnished and shows minor high-point wear. The hammer retains 75% of the original case colors while the lever has a brown patina. The deluxe, fancy grade walnut stock retains most of the original piano finish with scattered minor handling marks and some scuffing from contact with the sling swivel. The factory engraving is sharp. This is an outstanding example of a high condition, deluxe, factory engraved Henry rifle with desirable first style receiver. It would be difficult to find a better example of a factory engraved Henry rifle. A rare opportunity to acquire this extraordinary fresh-to-the-market Factory Engraved Henry Rifle!