4002

VERY FINE “AS FOUND” IDENTIFIED MARTIAL HENRY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:16,250.00 USD Estimated At:32,500.00 - 42,500.00 USD
VERY FINE “AS FOUND” IDENTIFIED MARTIAL HENRY
RIFLE. Cal. 44. S# 3462. In 1861 the Henry rifle was a revolutionary weapon, the most technologically advanced weapon of its day. 15 Round repeater, powerful & durable. The United States Government purchased 1731 Henrys from 1863-1865. Most desirable of these are 800 government inspected examples made in 1863 & inspected by government inspector Charles G. Chapman, of which this example is one. This rifle was part of the US government order of October 28, 1863, all being issued to the 1st DC Cavalry who were protecting Washington DC. at the time. Most of these rifles saw hard use, w/ select surviving examples being reissued in May 1865 to the 3rd US Veteran Volunteer Infantry. The three VVI regiments were organized late in the Civil War to act as elite units composed of veteran soldiers. The VVI regiments were armed w/ Henry, Sharps & Spencer rifles. Standard configuration w/ 24 1/4" oct. bbl. w/ 2 line patent & address on top flat, integral magazine, silver blade mounted on pedestal front, long range rear ladder sight, straight grain Walnut stock w/ bright exceptional inspector’s cartouche “CGC” (Charles G. Chapman), brass butt-plate w/ trap which holds original 4 piece wood/iron cleaning rod. This Henry Rifle was issued to Corp. John H. Williams (1823-1869), who originally mustered into service August 22, 1861 into Co. F, 5th New Jersey infantry. His unit suffered severe casualties at Williamsburg, Va. in May, 1862. He was wounded & captured at the battle of Seven Pines June 25, 1862, taken prisoner to Richmond, Virginia and returned to his unit late in 1864. While imprisoned in Richmond, he contracted tuberculosis. On February 25, 1865 Cpl. Williams enlisted in Company C, 3rd Veteran Volunteer Infantry where he was issued this Henry rifle as noted in the records. Veterans could keep their rifles at end of service, one of the great incentives for enlisting in the veteran volunteers. He stayed in service w/ the 3rd USVV until muster out July 20, 1866. He died less than 3 years later of “consumption” probably never having a chance to use his Henry after service. It is no doubt the reason this rifle has remained in superior overall condition. This example is a wonderful survivor in unmolested condition, well patinaed, w/ great inspector’s markings. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: accompanied by file of research that shows its re-issue to John H. Williams of the 3rd USVVI, his service records and a history of the 3rd VVI. CONDITION: very good-fine overall. Rifle is uncleaned w/ dark iron patina on bbl. & lever. Crisp bbl. address, serial number, & inspector initials. All original, matching serial numbers are found internally on the lower frame tang, stock upper tang channel, inside toe of butt-plate & shafts of its stock screws. Brass frame & butt-plate have a beautifully smooth & untouched light/medium mustard patina. Trigger & screws all have a portion of their original blue finish & are unmarred. Hammer retains some original case color. Stock is very fine, well fit w/ hand worn patina & as noted, a very crisp “CGC” inspector’s cartouche. Mechanics are fine, bore has crisp rifling w/ moderate pitting. An untouched example w/ stock & brass in far above average condition for this model, the way collectors love to find such guns. PROVENANCE: listed by serial number in Wiley Sword’s 2002 “The Historic Henry Rifle” inventory of the 3rd Regiment USVV. Listed by serial number in USVV Springfield Research Service Records. (01-18918/MS). ANTIQUE. $32,500-42,500.