GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
RARE TYPE-1 MARTIALLY MARKED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE. HENRY LEVER 3558 44 Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4" oct bbl that has integral mag tube and late-style German silver front sight with square rear edge and a 900 yd. Henry ladder rear sight without slide retaining screw. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured, straight-grain American walnut buttstock that has a factory sling swivel on the left side over the distinctive "Henry Bump" and a corresponding staple and ring on the left side of the bbl. Buttplate is 1st style with rounded heel and large trap. The two buttplate screws have beveled heads and are matching numbered to the rifle. SN is found in the usual places on the top flat of the bbl between the frame and rear sight, left side of the lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Rnd portion of the bbl under loading sleeve is marked with the assembly number "942" with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. Right flat of bbl, at the receiver, is stamped with the inspector initials "C.G.C." (Charles G. Chapman) over a small "H" (B. Tyler Henry) inspector initial with a corresponding "H" on the front side of frame. Left bbl flat at frame also has a small "C" with an adjacent "H" on the receiver. Left side of the buttplate heel is also marked with a small "H" and corresponding "H" on the left heel of the wood. Right side of wrist bears the small "CGC" cartouche. Inspector initials on left side of bbl, receiver, buttplate and stock are the first encountered by this cataloger, but appear to be authentic. Accompanied by a 5-pg letter from renowned Winchester historian and author, George Madis, wherein he notes most of the above information and authenticates this rifle.
The federal government purchased a total of 1,731 Henry rifles during the Civil War, of which about 1,100 were the Type 1 series, primarily found in the 3xxx serial range mostly from orders placed in 1863. Type 2 martial Henry's are those from orders of 1864 & 1865, in the 7xxx to 9xxx serial range. From research of the Federal archives it appears that this rifle may have been issued to the 1st DC Cavalry then recalled and late in the war issued to the 3rd Regiment of Veteran Volunteers. This unit was intended to become a regiment of "shock" troops, however, due to their late entry into the war, were used primarily for picket and guard duty protecting the Capitol and saw very limited action. As part of their enlistment, with honorable service, upon completion of their term of service, they were permitted to retain their issue arms and accoutrements. Apparently, most of these troops availed themselves of this benefit and these fine Henry rifles became hunting and home protection rifles with many of them going west during the great westward expansion of Manifest Destiny. Few of these rifles survive today and rarely with any original finish. It is rare to find a visible cartouche on the stock. PROVENANCE: Barnes Family Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and mag tube retain an artificially aged pleasing brown patina over very fine pinprick pitting. Receiver and side plates have crisp edges and a wonderful dark mustard patina. Lever and hammer are a natural dark patina. Stock has a couple of hairlines back of top tang otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks and scratches, a couple of minor grain checks near the right toe and retains a slightly enhanced hand-worn patina. The "Henry Bump" is prominent. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate pitting. Sling is not antique. Cleaning rod is fine. 52527-17 JR238 (35,000-45,000)