May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
A total of 1,731 Henry Rifles were purchased by the U.S. Government for issue to federal military units during the American Civil War. These rare guns are categorized into two groups, Type I and Type II. Type I guns had inspection proof marks on the frame, barrel, buttplate and stock. Type II guns simply had a government inspection stamp on the left side of the stock wrist, being the initials "J.T." or "A.W.M." Of the total 1,731 "Martial" Henry's approximately 800 are believed to be the Type II variety and fall into the 7000-9000 serial number ranges. This fine example, serial number 9303 is a Type II martial with government inspection stamp "A.W.M." on the stock left side at the wrist. Serial number 9303 has been observed on the inside top tang channel of the stock, the inside toe of the buttplate, and inside left side of the bottom tang. The name "ROBERT C. WALLACE" is neatly engraved on the top frame flat. Typical 24" octagon shape barrel with integral magazine tube. Late version folding ladder rear barrel sight, graduated to 900 yards. Sling swivels located on the left side of the stock and left side of the barrel. Late model rifle style crescent buttplate with trapdoor and inside reinforcing boss at the toe. Complete with correct all steel four piece sectional cleaning rod. Standard straight grain oil finished walnut stock with a very visible "bump" on the left side, just under the sling swivel. This historic rifle belonged to Civil War veteran Robert C. Wallace. Wallace was born in Ayshire, Scotland on February 26, 1837. At age 7 he and his family emigrated to the United States in 1844 and settled in Detroit, Michigan. Upon outbreak of the American Civil War Robert joined a Detroit militia unit called the "Detroit Guards" on April 18,1861 for a 90 day enlistment. In 1862 the 5th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry was organized at Detroit. Robert joined the 5th and was commissioned as supernumerary 2nd Lieutenant on September 2, 1862. Robert was captured in Northern Virginia by John Mosby's men and sent to Libby prison. He was exchanged prior to the battle of Gettysburg and was with George A. Custer during battle with J.E.B. Stuart on the third day at Gettysburg. During the war Robert participated in numerous campaigns and incidents including skirmishes on the Rapidan, the aborted Kilpatrick raid on Richmond, and the Wilderness campaign. He was an eye witness to the death of J.E.B. Stuart at Yellow Tavern and at the Front Royal Affaire involving the execution of a number of Mosby's men during Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley campaign. Robert was at Appomattox April 9 & 10 1865 where he saluted General Robert E. Lee , a gesture which was returned in kind and mentioned in Robert E. Lee's memoirs. He rode in the Grand Review as a Major of the 5th Cavalry on May 25,1865 and help to muster out the Regiment in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas June 22,1865. After the war Robert moved to Helena, Montana. He married Ellen Shaw in 1875 and they had two children David and Margaret. In 1915 he published his memoirs entitled "A FEW MEMORIES OF A LONG LIFE" only two known original copies of the book exist today, one being in the Montana State Library. In 1988 530 copies were reprinted and one of those copies accompanies this rifle. Robert Wallace died on October 21, 1928 in Montana at nearly 92 years. Indeed a long and full life. CONDITION: Excellent plus. The barrel and magazine are extremely clean and sharp showing no abuse with strong thinning original blue turned a very pleasing brown patina overall. The frame is outstanding, unpolished with a beautiful even mustard patina. Hammer and lever are brown patina. Wood is excellent showing modest wear, only a few dents and scratches, mainly on the right side. One stress fracture on the bottom of stock at the toe. Strong "A.W.M." inspection stamp on left side of stock at the wrist. Missing front sight blade. Bore is fine. Action is tight and crisp. Overall this is an outstanding Martial Henry with great Civil War and Montana history. -MKS-
Manufacturer
New Haven Arms