Scarce First Model Martial Henry Model 1860 Rifle

Our Price: sold

Scarce First Model Martial Henry Model 1860 Rifle. Serial number 3063. Caliber .44 rim fire Henry. Standard Henry rifle with 24-1/4″ octagonal barrel, integral magazine tube and early 1st type German silver front sight blade with round top and 2nd type 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight without slide stop screw. Right forward side of frame has the inspector initials “HH” and correspondingly on the right barrel flat at the receiver the inspector, “CGC”. Buttstock with straight grip and early style brass buttplate with round heel and large trap for the accompanying 4-piece hickory rod. Right side of buttstock is inlaid with a 5-point brass star secured with a single nail through the center. Right wrist of buttstock shows the outline of a cartouche visible under strong light. Right heel of buttplate is marked with a tiny “C” inspector mark with corresponding “C” adjacent on the wood.

Serial number was observed in the usual place on top flat of barrel between rear sight & frame and on left side of the lower tang under the wood as well as in the top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. The 2 buttplate screws are matching numbered to the rifle. The 3 receiver screws, although unnumbered are original Henry style screws and probably original to this rifle. Left top front side of receiver has a small plugged hole which likely was installed for ease of access to change the extractor which was a weak point on the Henry rifle.

Given the overall condition, along with the “Texas star” in the buttstock, the argument can be made that this probably was a Confederate captured rifle during the Civil War and saw extensive hard service thereafter, both during the war and on the American frontier. There were a total of 1,731 Henry rifles purchased by the US Military, of which only about 800 were the Type-1 as found here, the majority of which were used to arm the 3rd Regiment Veteran Volunteers. This unit was initially intended to act as “shock troops”, but were primarily used for guard and picket duty around Washington, D.C. They did have a few small engagements just toward the end of the war and then were absorbed into the 2nd Maine Cavalry until the war was over. These veteran volunteers, as part of their enlistment agreement with honorable service were allowed to retain their arms and accoutrements at their expiration of service. Apparently the majority of those soldiers took advantage of this provision and took their Henry rifles home with them.

Just as found condition, all matching. Barrel & magazine retain a mostly smooth brown patina with patches of pitting. Receiver & side plates show numerous nicks & dings with light scratches and retains a dark brown untouched brass patina. Stock is sound showing a “Henry bump” on the left side with numerous light nicks & scratches and retains a very old, dark finish. Mechanics are balky on closing, otherwise they are fine. Strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting and a couple of rings about mid-point. Cleaning rod is original and in fine condition..


 

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