1186

MARTIALLY MARKED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
MARTIALLY MARKED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 3452. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-3/16" oct bbl that has integral mag, late style, square back German silver front sight and a reproduction 1000 yd Henry ladder rear sight. There is no dovetail in the top flat of receiver. Mounted with a reproduction, uncheckered, straight grain American walnut stock that has early brass buttplate with rnd heel & large trap containing a reproduction 4pc hickory and steel cleaning rod. Right side flat of bbl at receiver is stamped with inspector initials "C.G.C." over an "H". Correspondingly the adjacent right side of frame is stamped "H C". Left heel of buttplate and adjacent on the stock are stamped with a "c". Right side of wrist has a small "CGC" cartouche. It appears that this rifle has undergone a complete and spectacular restoration with re-rolled bbl address and re-stamped inspector initials. SN's are also re-stamped and are found in usual place on top flat of bbl between the receiver and rear sight, left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Sides of tangs, under the wood appear to have the remnants of silver plating. This rifle is in the prime serial range for Type I martial Henrys. The federal government purchased 1,731 Henry rifles of which about 1,100 were first Type, mostly in the 3,000 serial range. Most of these rifles were initially issued to the 1st D.C. Cavalry and were later recalled and re-issued to the 3rd Regiment of Veteran Volunteer Infantry. This unit was intended to have been a regiment of "shock troops". However, with their late entry into the war, they were assigned picket and guard duty around Washington, D.C. and saw very little action. As part of their enlistment bonus, with honorable service, upon expiration of time of service they were allowed to retain their issue arms and accoutrements. It seems that most of these troops availed themselves of this bonus and retained their Henry rifles which they obviously used for hunting, home protection and frequently on the American frontier. PROVENANCE: Barnes Family Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and mag tube retain a smooth chocolate brown artificially aged patina with sharp, clean edges; receiver also retains crisp sharp edges probably having been dressed and overall retains a wonderful dark mustard patina; buttplate is matching patina. Stock is sound with minor nicks and scratches and retains a fine oil finish. Mechanics are fine; strong worn bore with light pitting. 4-47613 JR251