November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
One of the best and most historic Henry Rifles to come to market. Pictured on pages 166 and 167 of Les Quick's definitive work titled: "THE STORY OF BENJAMIN TYLER HENRY AND HIS FAMED REPEATING RIFLE". Early first model Henry Rifle serial number 543, manufactured in 1862. Left side of frame hand engraved in 3 lines: "CAPT. GEORGE F. PRICE/FT. CHURCHILL/FROM COMPANY M". A native of New York City, George F. Price emigrated West and became a citizen of California. Once there, he settled in the northern coast town of Yreka to seek his fortune in the gold fields of the Humbodt Creek and Klamath River areas. In 1861, when President Abraham Lincoln issued a call to bolster federal troops from California, George Price volunteered on September 3rd and entered service as a first lieutenant in Company M, 2nd Regiment Cavalry, California Volunteers. Lt. Price was quickly promoted to the rank of Captain, being charged with a variety of tasks to include settling the Northern Paiute Indians who were then pillaging northeastern California. Captain Price saw extensive duty throughout California, Utah, and Wyoming. In 1863 he was given command of Fort Bridger. Following the close of the Civil War, Captain Price was one of the first appointments made to the regular Army on February 23, 1866. During his post-Civil War service with the U.S. 5th Cavalry, he was tasked with a variety of assignments throughout the West which included participation in many Indian War campaigns. According to official military records of 5th Cavalry Officers during April 1869: "He rejoined his company at Fort Lyon, Colorado and marched with a battalion of the regiment across country to Fort McPherson Nebraska and was engaged en route in combats with hostile Sioux and Cheyenne at Beaver and Spring creeks." He participated in the operations of the Republic River expedition from June to November, 1869 commanded a company until the 19th of July thereafter served as the adjutant of the expedition, and was engaged in the affairs near Spring Creek, in the sand-hills near Frenchman's Fork, at Rock Creek, in the brilliant action at Summit Springs recommended for the brevet of captain for gallantry, in the affair in the sand-hills south of Julesburg, the Niobrara pursuit, and the affair on Prairie Dog Creek, where he won a special mention in the official report "as meriting the highest praise for dash and gallantry" and also having, in conjunction with Lieutenant Volkmar, Fifth Cavalry, "UNDOUBTEDLY SAVED THE LIVES OF MAJOR FRANK NORTH (commanding the Pawnee scouts) AND THE GUIDE, WILLIAM CODY". In the following years the 5th Cavalry fought many skirmishes and battles against the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho on the Great Plains, and against the Utes in Colorado. On 8 July 1869 at the Republican River in Kansas, Cpl John Kyle made a valiant stand against attacking Indians resulting in him receiving the Medal of Honor. The 5th was then sent to Arizona, where it defeated the Apaches in 95 engagements from 1871 to 1874. Due to these actions, General William Sherman told a committee from the United States House of Representatives that "the services of the 5th Cavalry Regiment in Arizona were unequaled by any Cavalry Regiment." After General Custer and 264 of his men died at the Battle of Little Big Horn, the 5th rode after the Sioux to avenge the deaths of their fellow cavalrymen. The punitive ride quickly became known as the Horsemeat March, one of the most brutal forced marches in American military history. Men and horses suffered from starvation, but they eventually caught up with the Indians. Under the leadership of Col. Wesley Merritt, a Civil War veteran, the 5th was instrumental in defeating the Indians at the Battle of Slim Buttes. It was the first significant victory for the army following Little Bighorn. In 1882 Captain George F. Price compiled a book titled: "ACROSS THE CONTINENT WITH THE FIFTH CAVALRY". An original edition of this scarce and historic book is included in the sale of this rifle. Considering this Henry rifle, serial number 543, was most likely given to Captain Price during his Civil War service with Company M of the 2nd California Volunteer Cavalry, it is most conceivable it accompanied him during his 15+ year historic service with the U.S. Army 5th Cavalry. CONDITION: Excellent overall. Beautiful untouched butterscotch color patina to the brass frame. Barrel is mostly a very pleasing blue/brown patina. The stock is sound with moderate wear showing scattered dents and scrapes. Matching serial numbers have been observed on major components. Bore is dark. Action operates flawlessly. -MKS-
Item Dimensions: L - 44"
Paperwork
Box of books and paperwork