June 20, 2026 Old West & Native American Art Auction in Santa Fe, NM
Lot #1340:
(A) FINE NEW HAVEN ARMS MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/20/2026
Manufactured circa 1864 in the midst of the Civil War, where these rifles made popular and potent private purchase arms, often continuing their service post-War on the Frontier, travelling West with many. The blued octagon barrel is correctly roll marked with the larger style 2-line address. it is also fitted with a tapered German silver blade front sight and a late style "900" yard graduated ladder rear sight with retaining screw and rounded sight bar. The five groove rifled barrel has a very small "17" stamped at the pivot, smaller than assembly numbers are traditionally marked. The loading gate numbered "492" on the reverse. Left side is affixed with a sling bar. The magazine has the large brass follower. Brass frame with later style bevel contour. Lower tang is struck with an "H" acceptance mark, the touchmark of inventor Benjamin Tyler Henry himself. The oiled walnut stock is formed with an obtuse comb angle and slight perch belly. Left side displays a distinct "Henry bump" under the sling bar. The brass crescent butt plate is stamped on the inside with the full serial number. Matching numbers also marked over the chamber, the side of the lower tang, and in the stock channel. Screws are unnumbered as is correct for a rifle of this vintage. CONDITION: Fine. The barrel blue has largely drifted to a very pleasant homogenous chocolate brown patina with a few flashes of bright blue remaining in the protected areas. Frame has also developed an attractive mottled mellow golden patina with some minor dings and nicks, especially at the tops of the side plates. Hammer and lever have drifted to patterned patina. Stock is very fine, fitting slightly shy to mounts and is lightly cleaned with some scattered impressions remaining. Bore has well defined rifling with some minor expected cleaned abrasions. Fine mechanics. A very nice, clean Henry rifle.
ADDENDUM: This rare martial Henry rifle retains a faint "JT" inspector cartouche on the left side of the wrist. 500 such rifles were procured in the 7000-8000 serial number range in April 1865 for the 3rd US Veteran Volunteer Infantry, with an additional 127 in the 8400-9400 range.
Manufacturer
New Haven Arms