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Inscribed 66' Winchester Rifle, "Henry Marked", 1869 with historical documentation
Guns International #: 101439628 Seller's Inventory #: Item #1115
Category: Winchester Rifles - Model 1866 - Winchester Rifles - Antique Lever
Seller's Information
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Seller: Clarks Antiques
Member Since: 9/22/19
First Name: Clark
Last Name: Linss
State: Arizona
Zip: 85390
Country: United States
Phone: (541) 233-6642
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 43
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
We ship USPS registered mail
Payment Types Accepted: Personal Checks or Major Credit Cards
Description:
This early “Henry” marked 66’ Winchester Rifle was owned and used by George R. Wood in the San Francisco area of California while he was working as a tax collector. It is professionally inscribed “G R Wood” on the side plate. He was a sheriff in Wisconsin prior to the Civil War and enlisted a full company of men (101) for the Union Army in 1862. He was elected their Captain and fought in many battles until his resignation in 1865 as a war causality. After the war he moved to San Francisco where he took the job as tax collector and subsequently filing for his war pension in 1886. All the documentation of his war service and pension from the National War Archives is included with the rifle.
This early “Henry” marked model 1866 rifle was made in 1869. The serial number is RV19XXX and is located on the frame tang under the butt stock. Caliber is .44 Henry, rim fire (the firing pin "striker" is missing, but easily replaced). The octagon barrel and magazine tube have been period shortened to 21½”. The barrel still has a good strong bore remaining and has period replaced non-factory sights, rear being a fixed buckhorn type in the original barrel dovetail. There is an additional dovetail cut in the barrel thru the barrel address, but the “Henrys Patent” is still fully visible. The overall condition is fair to good with all metal parts a dark brown patina. The brass frame also has a nice dark patina color with fancy scroll engraved name on the left side plate: “G R Wood”. The inscription is professionally done and may be factory applied, but the rifle is too early to letter. Screws appear to be original with some buggering of the heads. Mechanics are good with the early hammer without a half cock position. The finger lever is an old period replacement off a Henry Rifle. In addition, the lever latch is an old hand made replacement to accommodate the shorter lever. It looks and works just fine. Butt stock has been sanded, repaired and stained. It was broken at one time with a dark stain or paint covering the repairs – it was well done and looks good. There is some type of old wood filler around the butt plate area that was applied a long time ago and there is an inletted remnant of a sling swivel, intact, without the swivel. The wrist appears to have been wrapped with something at one time, but now removed; it has taken some of the frame patina with it. The forend is very worn with wood losses along the barrel on both sides and pommel wear on the bottom from being carried across the saddle, but not worn thru to the magazine. There is some more of that old filler material on the forend as well.
The rifle is still an attractive piece that shows much better than it sounds. It has seen a lot of wear from being carried across the saddle and shows period fixes over its long history and provenance to Captain Wood. His career before, during and after his U.S. (Union) service in the Civil War is completely documented and included with the rifle as stated previously.
A list of the historical info and documents can be emailed on request to serious buyers.
We at Clarks Antiques have been avid collectors of old west antiques for nearly 50 years. We have been actively buying and selling these items since 2000. It is our goal to provide you with authentic period items with complete and accurate descriptions at our home on line. Search for Clarks Antiques in google.
For domestic sale only, shipped via USPS Registered Mail.
SOLD
Antique: Yes