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Rare Iron Frame New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever-Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:47,500.00 USD Estimated At:95,000.00 - 160,000.00 USD
Rare Iron Frame New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever-Action Rifle
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Early production iron frame Henry rifle manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., circa 1861. The New Haven Arms Co., manufactured approximately 275 iron frame Henry rifles concurrently with the brass frame rifles in 1861 and 1862. Iron frame Henry rifles are extremely rare. The iron frame Henry rifles had a case-hardened iron receiver, hammer, loading lever and buttplate. The barrel was blued and the walnut stock had a high polish varnished "piano" finish. This rifle has the first pattern receiver with rear sight dovetail and no loading lever latch. The early style loading lever lacks the spur found on later models. The cartridge carrier is brass. The barrel has a rear sight dovetail, early style nickel-silver half-moon front sight and early small diameter brass cartridge follower. The iron buttplate has the early style rounded heel with hinged trap door. The folding leaf rear sight has a 100 yard aperture on the base and a 1,000 yard center notch. The rifle is not fitted with the extra cost sling swivel and front sling yoke. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the first style two-line legend "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS.CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." All of the characters in the address use Roman style serifed letters except for the second "NEWHAVEN" which has Gothic block letters. This is the correct legend for early Henry rifles with serial numbers below 3,300. The serial number "48" is stamped on the top of the barrel between the rear sight dovetail and the receiver parallel to the axis of the bore. The serial number "48" is stamped on the inside of the buttplate heel and on the shank of both of the hand-fitted buttplate screws. The shanks of all three tang screws are stamped "48"; serial numbered tang screws are only found on early production Henry rifles. The serial number "48" is stamped on the left side of the lower receiver tang and in the upper tang inlet of the stock. All of the visible serial numbers match. The Henry rifle with its self-cocking lever-action, 15-round integral magazine and metallic cartridges was a major evolution in firearms design. Although the Federal government purchased only about 1,700 Henry rifles during the Civil War, Henry rifles were very popular with individual soldiers who appreciated their firepower. Experts believe that most of the approximately 8,000 Henry rifles manufactured before the end of the Civil War in April 1865 saw some war-time service.
BBL: 24 In octagonal
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 Henry RF
Finish: blue/case-hardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 48
Condition: Very good. The rifle is an outstanding example of an iron frame Henry rifle. The casehardened finish on the crisp original receiver, hammer and lever has aged to a mottled silver-gray patina. The side plate joints are in very fine overall condition with some minor nicks and edge wear. The sides of the receiver have some minor scratches. There are a number of small dents in the bottom of the cartridge carrier. The rear sight is in very good condition with clear markings. The receiver screws are in very good condition. The barrel has a smooth, silver-gray patina. The edges of the barrel are sharp and the New Haven Arms Co., legend and serial number are very clear. The bore is in good condition which is unusual for a Henry rifle. The buttplate has a dark patina and has moderate to heavy pitting on the toe and the heel. The reconditioned stock has been professionally refurbished to fine condition and retains nearly all of the high-polish "piano" finish. The buttplate and tang screws are in fine condition with clear serial numbers. This is an outstanding example of the most desirable and difficult to obtain variation of the historic Henry rifle. It would be the centerpiece of the most advanced Winchester or Henry rifle collection.