July 30th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale (20)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/30/2016
24" barrel in .44 rimfire. The serial number on this Henry rifle, manufactured 1863, is correct for the 66 Illinois Western Sharpshooters Company. There is also a letter dated May 20th, 1967 from Joe Piggott stating this rifle belonged to "Your Great Grandfather (Dear Tom)" Gideon Perry Jolly of Hardinsburg, Kentucky, who was a member of the home guard during the Civil War. The rifle itself is a standard Henry rifle with no militia markings. Barrel and tube are a mix of dark brown patina and gun metal grey with sharp legends. Sports a military style single leaf folding sight in the barrel slot. There is a rear receiver sight slot cut that does not appear to have ever had a sight installed. Frame is a lovely mustard color, never cleaned. The plates fit perfectly with razor sharp edges. Hammer and lever are a soft brown patina. The inside lower tang is numbered to barrel. Buttstock is numbered to gun inside upper tang. Left side of walnut buttstock has the original lanyard loop. Rifle still sports its original leather sling with brass hook for front loop with brass buckle; intact with no repairs. Walnut buttstock is in excellent condition with no cracks or repairs, and the majority of its original finish. Wood to metal fit at tangs is perfect. Left frame lever screw is replaced, done during the period. The brass buttplate is numbered to gun on inside, as are both of the buttplate screws also numbered to gun. In addition, this rifle comes with the four piece oak and nickel cleaning rod. A beautiful untouched Civil War Henry rifle that can be identified to a specific Civil War Company by serial number as used in the Civil War.