Page 87 - Auction84-Book2

The top barrel flat has the small, first pattern, New Haven
Arms legend roll-stamped ahead of the rear sight and serial
number stamped behind the rear sight. The receiver has the alternate rear
sight dove-tail utilized to about serial number 3000, beveled magazine follower cut,
hammer with knurled spur and loading lever with ‘tail’ and latch. The left side of the stock
and barrel are fitted with a sling swivel and screw-mounted loop for a sling hook. The straight grain
walnut stock is oil finished with the first style brass buttplate with rounded heel. The serial number is
located: (1) on the top barrel flat, (2) on the lower left side of the receiver tang, (3) in the stock upper tang inlet, (4) on the inside of the buttplate below the trap door, (5) on the shanks of both hand-fitted buttplate screws and (6) on the shanks of
all three tang screws. All visible serial numbers match. The “H” inspection mark of B. Tyler Henry is stamped on the lower tang behind the lever latch. The top of the buttplate heel is stamped “l/341” - the significance of this marking is unknown. This rifle is complete with a very rare Henry russet leather sling with brass hook and buckle and the equally rare four-piece, jointed, hickory cleaning rod provided with early production Henry rifles.
CONDITION: Very good. The blue on the barrel/magazine has aged to an attractive plum brown. The surfaces of the barrel/ magazine are smooth, the edges are sharp and the markings are crisp. The front and rear sights are both original to the
rifle. The brass receiver and buttplate have an attractive aged patina and show minimal handling wear. The sideplate joints
are tight. The simple, well-executed, engraving is crisp. Traces of fire blue finish are visible on the bolt. The hammer retains patterns of the mottled case colors. The sides of the trigger shows some light pitting; the loading lever has a mottled brown patina. The receiver, tang and buttplate screws are in fine condition. The stock also remains in very good condition with scattered use/handling marks. The buttplate shows only light handling wear. The rare russet leather sling is solid with smooth surfaces and good stitching. The included four piece hickory cleaning rod is very fine. This is an exceptional, well-documented, example of a period engraved rifle carried by one of the regiments most closely associated with combat use of the Henry rifle. It would be very difficult to find a better example of a documented, engraved and combat carried Henry rifle.
SIMILAR RIFLE PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK WINCHESTER ENGRAVING BY WILSON
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000
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