May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
Early Henry iron frame lever action repeating rifle, serial number 159. 24" barrel chambered in .44 Henry Rimfire with correct, smaller barrel address marking. Early on in the production of the Henry Repeating Rifle, both brass and iron frames were manufactured during the first run of approximately 400 rifles, after which, the brass frame was chosen as the base frame material for the rest of production. In "The Henry Rifle" by Les Quick, on page 54, there is a graph of the first 400 surviving Henry Rifles (both iron and brass frames) where serial number 159 is documented as being an iron frame. Early half-moon contour German silver blade front sight integral to muzzle collar with early style dovetail slots in barrel and frame, with period replacement rear sight mounted in rear dovetail. Matching serial numbers observed on top flat of barrel, inner part of lower tang with stock removed, stock on top tang channel, all 3 stock attaching screws, buttplate, and both buttplate screws. Muzzle collar and loading gate were unable to be removed for inspection. Early style walnut stock with abrupt stock comb and iron buttplate with appropriate beveled edge of buttstock cleaning rod hole. CONDITION: Good, with iron assemblies turned an even brown patina overall with light handling marks throughout and scattered, faint traces of bright blue finish on barrel. Stock is very good, with no visible major cracks or repairs and scattered heavy handling marks throughout. Mechanically fine, with magazine spring not present. Bore is dark with visible rifling and areas of heavy corrosion from use with corrosive black powder during the period. An honest example of an extremely rare Henry Repeating Rifle. TON
Caliber/Bore
.44 Henry Rimfire