April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Serial number 3768 manufactured circa late 1863 at the height of the American Civil War. One of only 1,731 Henrys purchased by the federal government for military service during the war. In the correct 3000-4000 serial number block, this Type I rifle is stamped with the following inspector marks: "H H" on the frame, "C.G.C / H" at the breech, "H" on the butt plate, and "H" on the stock adjacent. An oval "CGC" cartouche for inspector Charles G. Chapman is also present at the wrist. Inspected in this manner, this rifle appears to have been one of 800 ordered in a December 1863 contract for the newly formed 1st DC Cavalry. The Henry armed 1st DC Cavalry initially served to defend Washington DC in 1864, and later saw combat in Virginia, including in the Siege of Petersburg. This historic rifle features a 24 - 1/4" octagon barrel with 6-groove rifling chambered in .44 Henry with large style 2-line address marking. Early brass half moon front sight and barrel dovetail mounted ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards. Full length magazine with later style large brass magazine follower. The plain straight grip walnut stock has an obtuse comb angle, large visible bump on the left side, large cleaning rod compartment, and brass rifle butt plate. CONDITION: Fine overall. The barrel displays mottled brown gray patina mixing with some some light chemical aging. The receiver exhibits a speckled, rich butterscotch patina. Stock is very fine with some minor impressions throughout. Markings are legible, with the stock cartouche somewhat faint but visible. Strong bore with some areas of light to moderate pitting. Mechanically fine. Matching numbers observed on the barrel breech, receiver tang, stock, butt plate, and stock screws (one appears to be a replacement). Matching "331" assembly numbers present on the loading gate and the round portion of the barrel under the gate, the muzzle collar unnumbered. A very nice example of perhaps the most iconic Civil War cartridge arm.
Manufacturer
New Haven Arms