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Historical 23rd Illinois Inscribed and Identified Civil War New Haven Arms Co., Henry Lever Action R

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:30,000.00 USD Estimated At:60,000.00 - 75,000.00 USD
Historical 23rd Illinois Inscribed and Identified Civil War New Haven Arms Co., Henry Lever Action R
Henry lever-action rifle manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., in 1863. The rifle has the early production features that include receiver rear sight dovetail and early style buttplate with rounded heel. The rifle is fitted with the optional sling swivel on the left side of the stock and sling hook loop on the left side of the barrel. The rifle has a blued barrel and integral magazine, brass receiver and buttplate and casehardened hammer and loading lever. The walnut stock has a polished varnish finish. 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 ahead of the rear sight. All of the legend is stamped with Roman letters. The serial number, "2714' is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the receiver, on the inside of the buttplate and on the shank of the upper buttplate screw (the stock could not be removed to verify the serial number on the receiver tang and in the stock tang inlet). The left side plate is jeweler engraved with the inscription: "Peter Church / Co.C. 23rd Ill Vols" in fancy script lettering. The Illinois Veteran data base lists Peter Church from Chicago, Illinois as a member of Co., C., 23rd Illinois Infantry and Co., B., 23rd Illinois Infantry Consolidated. The 23rd Illinois Infantry ("Irish Brigade") was organized in Chicago, Illinois in June 1861. After initial service in Missouri, the regiment was transferred to West Virginia. The 23 Illinois fought in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign during the summer of 1864 including the battles of Berryville, Winchester and Fisher's Hill. In December 1864 the regiment was transferred to the Army of the James and engaged in siege operations at Richmond and Bermuda Hundred. Between March 13 and April 9, 1865, the 23rd Illinois fought in the Appomattox Campaign. The regiment was present at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, when the Army of Northern Virginia surrendered. The Irish brigade lost 4 officers and 50 enlisted men killed in action and had 2 officers and 93 enlisted men die of disease.
BBL: 24 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 Henry RF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 2714


Very good. The barrel and integral magazine have a smooth blue gray age patina. There are traces of pitting on the top barrel flat near the New Haven Arms legend. The legend and the serial number appear to have been freshened. The edges of the barrel flats are slightly rounded. The brass receiver and buttplate have a mellow age patina. The receiver is in fine condition with minimal handling wear. The side plate joints are tight and generally free from dents or pry-marks. The fine inscription on the left side plate is original and contemporary with the rifle. The stock is in very good condition with scattered light handling wear. The folding leaf rear sight is a recent replacement. The rear sight dovetail on the receiver is fitted with a brass blank that appears to be contemporary to the rifle. The scarce hickory cleaning rod is in very fine condition with little wear. This is a highly desirable wonderfully engraved historical example of a privately purchased Henry rifle. (Rock Island Auction Company sold an Irish Brigade inscribed Henry Rifle several years ago).