Possible Samuel Hoggson engraved New Haven Arms Model 1860 Henry Lever Action Rifle, Civil War
Our Assessment: This rifle was made Ca. 1863, as the Civil War was in full swing. One of the stock mounting screws has an obscured marking and the other is a later replacement, but other serialized parts match and there are matching assembly numbers on the barrel and magazine sleeve. The rifle has surprisingly strong mechanics for such an old gun, though the barrel sleeve is slightly loose and rotates a little bit, stopped by the magazine spring. Overall, this rifle shows honest wear considering its age and likely uses. It is also engraved in a style associated with the engraver Samuel Hoggson, though it is difficult to be sure without any factory records available and no signature from the artisan. Any Henry will make a great addition to a collection of lever action rifles, Winchesters, or early repeating cartridge firearms, and we're sure this one will be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: New Haven Arms Co.
Model: 1860 Henry
Serial Number: 2834
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1863
Caliber: .44 Henry Rimfire
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "HENRY'S PATENT OCT. 16, 1860 / MANUFACT'D BY THE NEW HAVEN ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CT." (early small-style marking) and at the receiver with "2834". The left side of the lower tang is marked "2834", found again stamped on the inside of the buttplate at the toe and the top tang inlet of the stock. The lower tang is also marked "H". The stock mounting bolt and the buttplate mounting screws are each marked "2834". The marking on the top stock mounting screw is not legible, the bottom mounting screw is an unmarked replacement. The round portion of the barrel and the rear face of the magazine sleeve are each marked with assembly number "316". The receiver and sideplates have German scroll engraving with a running deer scene, in a style typically attributed to engraver Samuel Hoggson.
Barrel Length: 24" Nominal, 24 1/4" Measured. The barrel is octagonal, round at the muzzle-end where the magazine sleeve is installed.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade in a collar screw-set to the barrel at the muzzle end. The rear sight presents a "V"-notch when folded down. When folded up, the ladder has a "V"-notch slider and is graduated from 2-8 in 100s of yards. There is a notch at the top of the ladder marked "900". There is a dovetail on the top of the receiver behind the ejection port.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is smooth walnut with a second-style comb, slight perch belly, early-style brass buttplate with trapdoor, and a straight wrist. The wood appears to have seen some cleaning and possibly minimal sanding, the "bump" is present on the left of the stock but not well pronounced. There are some light nicks and some scattered discoloration. There are a few tiny losses at the edges of the wrist. There is a patch of discoloration on the right below the front of the comb. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a mustard patina with some light nicks. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition as ANTIQUE.
Type of Finish: The barrel is blued. The lever, hammer and trigger are case hardened. The frame is gunmetal (brass).
Finish Originality: Original. The bottom stock mounting screw is a later replacement and the top mounting screw's serial marking is not legible. The engraving appears period.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The barrel assembly has gone to a fairly uniform light patina. The receiver has a slight mustard patina with most surfaces showing the crystalline appearance of old brass. There is infrequent weak case color on well protected areas of the controls. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. There are infrequent spots of minor erosion on the barrel assembly. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as ANTIQUE.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A four-piece hickory cleaning rod is included, stored in the buttstock.
CA LEGAL: ANTIQUE
RIFLE