June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
This is an important example of an exhibition quality factory engraved and silver finished Henry rifle. Octagon barrel is roll stamped "HENRY'S PATTERN DATE OCT 16, 1860 / MANUFACT'D BY THE NEW HAVEN ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CT". Hammer is case colored as is the lever and trigger. Stock is deluxe grade American walnut with high piano finish. All screws are numbered to the gun, as the stock is numbered to receiver. Buttplate is also numbered to stock and receiver. Rear barrel is cut for a dovetail but is blank with no sight. Top of receiver is also dovetail which houses a 1000 yard ladder sight. Receiver on left side retains 35-45% sliver plating, right side 50-55% silver plating. Engraving is of a similar style as the Gideon Welles Henry serial number '9' and is attributed to Samuel Hoggson. These extremely early Henry rifles where predominately presented to individuals of great importance. As is well known that these presentations went to the President of the United States, Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy. It is only a wonder to whom this magnificent example was intended for. This extraordinary rifle is pictured and discussed on page 14 of R.L Wilson's fine treatise "WINCHESTER ENGRAVING". Accompanied by a deluxe leather bound limited edition of "Winchester Engraving" by Larry Wilson, No. 11/50. Bright and shiny bore with deep rifling, minor surface pitting. Mechanics need some attention as the carrier lifter spring is weak, otherwise mechanics are crisp. Barrel is a 40-60% light blue with balance turning patina. Standard rolled address on barrel that is very readable. Stock retains 96% original piano finish to deluxe wood with a crack in the forward portion of grip area of stock. This is a common break in Henry rifles with highly figured stocks. Right side of stock has light surface scratches with few impressions with another crack in stock that goes from bottom tang to upper tang. Overall condition is fine. This very early First Model Henry Rifle would certainly be the centerpiece of any advanced Winchester collection. From the Ray Bentley Collection.