GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
CIVIL WAR FIRST MODEL HENRY RIFLE. NEW HAVEN ARMS CO. FIRST MODEL 4574 44 RF Cal. 44RF. Standard configuration of popular Civil War rifle made in 1864. 24-1/2" oct bbl with integral magazine, nicely patinaed brass frame, straight grain American walnut stock with swing swivel attached, standard large 2-line bbl address with SN to rear of sight. Rear-sight is of the "C" variation with a sliding bar and "900" stamped at top of folding leaf. Front-sight blade has been changed contemporarily to well patinaed copper. Sling swivel bar is mounted on left sight. Magazine follower is of the second large type. Gun metal receiver shows milled flats in receiver to accept the larger type follower. Lower tang of receiver has 4-digit SN stamped. Receiver is otherwise unmarked. Sling swivel is attached on upper left side. SN is stamped in upper tang mortise of stock cheek. Buttplate is of the first type with rounded heel. Buttplate is unmarked. This is an honest example of a Henry rifle that most likely saw Civil War service. PROVENANCE: Ex-Dick Kennedy, Atlanta Georgia; Ex-Jim Williams Collection, Atlanta. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl shows a mottled dark-brown patina overall. Collar screw has 1 ear broken, which eliminated the possibility of disassembly. Magazine follower spring is missing. "T" bar collar retainer is also missing. Rear upper tang screw has been replaced with a wood screw. Loading collar is frozen in position. Bbl address is clear. SN is clear. Sight graduations are clear. Bore is very frosty but has sharp rifling. Receiver has a dark mustard-brown patina overall, with evidence of cleaning, especially on the forward end. Sideplates on both sides are somewhat battered on top. Elevator is a dark mustard patina with some dents. Hammer, lever, and trigger are all dark-brown patina. Hammer checkering is sharp. Tang marking is sharp. Lever is of the second type with lever latch. Stock is very good overall with numerous dents and scratches and some small white paint specs. SN in upper tang mortise is sharp. "Henry Bump" is visible below the swing swivel on left side. Buttplate shows an even mustard-brown patina. A very good example of a first model Henry rifle manufactured in 1864. 50560-2 TEP (20,000-30,000)