Original Henry Rifle Help

[Court Micker]

Hello folks.

As fate would have it, a museum I work with on occasion has acquired an ORIGINAL Henry Rifle.

With so many variables that can effect the value I would appreciate some input.

The s/n is 4334. It has sling swivels, works like a charm and has all the parts with which it was born - including the loading tube spring, which is still strong. The condition is encouragingly good and I see no evidence of cleaning - just a caring previous owner. It retains much of the original blued finish and the brass has aged beautifully. Patent stamp is strong, Oct. 1860.
I've attached a few photos.

If you can shed any light on the production year, your opinion of its value, etc., please send me a message or reply.

Thank you again.

[Third Mainer]

Re: Original Henry Rifle Help

No idea if these prices are astronomical or not, but seem to be the going rates, both retail and auction. No expert on Henry's or their variations. However, I think that serial falls outside of the Ordnance departments 1863 order for them

http://www.merzantique.com/catalog_C0_4_1.php

Mike Pearson

[FlatLandFed]

Re: Original Henry Rifle Help

Might ask Andrew Bresnan. He has some info at http://44henryrifle.webs.com for starters.
Good luck.
Paul

[Citman05]

Re: Original Henry Rifle Help

The Horse Soldier had one that sold for $23,950.00.

Here is the write up:
This is brass frame model Henry rifle. Made between 1860 and 1866 the total quantity produced is only approximately 14,000. The tubular magazine holds fifteen 44-caliber rimfire cartridges. The brass on this rifle has a nice mustard color patina. The barrel, a mix of gray and brown patina, is 24 inches long. It is stamped HENRY'S PATENT. OCT.16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEW HAVEN ARMS. CO. NEW HAVEN.CT. and the serial number 9658. The rear site is an original leaf site. The oil stained walnut stock has a reddish look with minor dings and scratches from normal handling. Very visible is the "Henry Hump" on the stock. This rifle has the front sling ring and rear sling swivel that was optional. This gun also has the lever latch. The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is strong.

(632-57) $23,950.00

Also has great pics of it on the site (scroll down to Brass Frame Model Henry):

http://www.horsesoldier.com/index.html

[Mojo1842]

Re: Original Henry Rifle Help

Going prices for original brass frame Henry rifles that I've seen at the Ohio Gun Collectors Association show usually run around 23-25,000.

[woodtick]

Re: Original Henry Rifle Help

Your Henry was produced about march 1864.It appears to have all the correct features for a later Henry ie,late sloping frame,square back front sight,lack of dove tail for rear sight mounting to frame.It has been noted that 4000 range Henry's may have been shipped out of sequence due to the assignment of the 3000-4000 block for the 1st D.C. Cavalry.You may want to remove the stock,the s/n should also be stamped on the wood if it still has the original stock.Also look for the "hump" in the stock by the lower sling swivel as these will affect value as well as the fitment of the side panels if they were changed at some point.You may want to read The Historic Henry Rifle by Wiley Sword for more info.As an owner of an original Henry myself i am pleased you shared this rifle with us.I would value it arround 20K,more if provenance can be added by research.