Page 39 - Auction84-Book2

The top barrel flat is roll- stamped with the first style New Haven Arms legend: “HENRY’S PATENT OCT.
16. 1860./ MANUFACT’D
BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT.” in two lines. This early style legend has the second “NEWHAVEN CT.” markings in block letters rather then the serif letters used in the rest of the legend. The serial number is stamped on: (1) the top barrel flat behind the rear sight, (2) the left side of the lower receiver tang, (3) the inside of the stock upper tang inlet, (4) the inside of the buttplate heel, (5) the shanks of both hand-fitted buttplate screws, and (6) the shanks of all three tang screws. All of the visible serial numbers match. The straight grain walnut stock has the nearly vertical comb found on the earliest Henry rifles. The rifle lacks the sling swivel and loop for sling hook that were extra cost features on early Henry rifles. A Sharps swivel is fitted to the bottom of the stock immediately behind the lower tang. The sling loop has been modified to accept a snap hook from a standard cavalry carbine sling. All iron frame Henry rifles are extremely rare. This well-documented rifle appears to be the only unit inscribed iron frame Henry rifle. Irrespective of whether the inscription refers to the Federal or Confederate 5th Tennessee Cavalry regiment, this rifle is an extremely rare iron frame Henry that unquestionably saw action in the Civil War. CONDITION: Good. This rare rifle displays the wear expected of a weapon that was carried on horseback and saw extensive service. The rear sight lacks the early lost elevator bar and the magazine follower is an iron field replacement. The bolt is missing the upper extractor and firing pin. The receiver, tang and buttplate screws all show screw-driver wear and the edges of both side plates are battered. The barrel legend and serial number are crisp. The well-executed frame inscription is faint but fully legible. The barrel has a deep brown patina with scattered age spotting and scratches and some silvering on high points. The receiver has a mottled brown patina with age spotting and scattered handling marks. The trigger and lever have a mottled brown patina. The buttplate is covered with mottled age spotting. The stock is varnished and shows moderate-heavy service wear with numerous shallow bruises and scratches. There is a shallow chip on the left wrist above the lower tang. This is an extremely rare iron frame Henry rifle with well-documented unit inscription. This historic rifle would be a stand- out piece in the most advanced Winchester or U.S. martial arms collection. Estimate: 50,000 - 75,000
Historic Henry Rifle for Martial Arms Collectors
LISTED BY SERIAL NUMBER IN THE BOOK THE HISTORIC HENRY RIFLE BY SWORD
AS PICTURED AND
DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK CIVIL WAR GUNS BY EDWARDS
37