This exceptional New Haven Arms Company First Model Henry Lever Action Rifle, manufactured in 1863, is a rare factory-engraved and gold-gilt deluxe example chambered in .44 Henry Rimfire. The rifle features a 24-inch octagon barrel and a highly figured rosewood stock, while the receiver displays elaborate Germanic floral and scroll engraving attributed to renowned engraver Samuel Hoggson. The left side is highlighted by a detailed game scene depicting a buck and doe near a lake with a castle and church in the distant background, surrounded by extensive scrollwork. Distinctive grape-blossom motifs associated with Hoggson’s work appear toward the front of the receiver, with additional engraving extending across the receiver, upper tang, and buttplate tang.
The rifle remains in extremely fine condition, with the receiver and buttplate retaining approximately 75% plus of their delicate gold-gilt finish, while the replaced barrel and magazine tube retain approximately 50% original blue. The engraving remains crisp, and the finely figured rosewood retains nearly all of its original varnish with only scattered minor handling marks. This early First Model Henry also retains several desirable early-production features and is accompanied by a scarce four-piece wooden cleaning rod with iron ferrules. Combining its Civil War-era production, Samuel Hoggson-attributed factory engraving, game-panel scene, gold-gilt finish, and deluxe rosewood stock, this is an extraordinary example of the iconic Henry rifle.
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This exceptional New Haven Arms Company First Model Henry Lever Action Rifle, manufactured in 1863, is a rare factory-engraved and gold-gilt deluxe example chambered in .44 Henry Rimfire. The rifle features a 24-inch octagon barrel and a highly figured rosewood stock, while the receiver displays elaborate Germanic floral and scroll engraving attributed to renowned engraver Samuel Hoggson. The left side is highlighted by a detailed game scene depicting a buck and doe near a lake with a castle and church in the distant background, surrounded by extensive scrollwork. Distinctive grape-blossom motifs associated with Hoggson’s work appear toward the front of the receiver, with additional engraving extending across the receiver, upper tang, and buttplate tang.
The rifle remains in extremely fine condition, with the receiver and buttplate retaining approximately 75% plus of their delicate gold-gilt finish, while the replaced barrel and magazine tube retain approximately 50% original blue. The engraving remains crisp, and the finely figured rosewood retains nearly all of its original varnish with only scattered minor handling marks. This early First Model Henry also retains several desirable early-production features and is accompanied by a scarce four-piece wooden cleaning rod with iron ferrules. Combining its Civil War-era production, Samuel Hoggson-attributed factory engraving, game-panel scene, gold-gilt finish, and deluxe rosewood stock, this is an extraordinary example of the iconic Henry rifle.
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