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Very rare Utah Indian War Henry Rifle, Cal. .44 Centerfire SOLD
Guns International #: 101639691 Seller's Inventory #: CBP20-212
Category: Henry Rifles - Antique - Henry Rifles
Seller's Information
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Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Member Since: 4/27/15
State: Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 184
Total Number of Listings: 14865
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check
Description:
Only rarely is an antique firearm discovered with family documented provenance to an actual participant in the Indian Wars of the American west. This Henry is such a gun. Born in Connecticut in 1832, Davis Clark migrated with his family and a small group of church members who followed the Prophet, Joseph Smith, to Ohio. Then, in 1852 they crossed the Mississippi River on their journey to the Salt Lake Valley, in Utah territory. According to his autobiography, after only a few days his company, led by counselors Jacob Bigler and Leonzo Johnson, were subjected to a cholera out break. Fourteen people died, including Clark's mother, on July 5th, his 20th birthday. After resuming their travel along the Platte River, they were attacked by Indians after camping for the night. "One morning, early, about twenty Indians slipped down a ravine between the stock and the camp, stampeded the herd and fired on the guards they ran into camp". This was the first of several encounters along the North Platte River Trail, the one followed by earlier pioneers in 1847. During the three month trip to Utah territory, Mr. Clark gradually became the company's primary hunter and provider of meat. He states, "while passing through this country I killed 14 buffalo in all and a number of antelope and other game". After arriving at Salt Lake on the 24th of September 1852, he purchased a few acres of land and began to farm, but was continually envolved in Indian conflicts. In June 1855, he fought against the Utes, along with men from Provo and Spanich Fork. He was one of the mounted "minute men", subject to be called at any time to protect the people and their livestock. By the mid 1850's, he was freighting merchandise into the Salt Lake area, and after one trip, "sold Brigham Young $500 worth". By the 1860's, he had a railroad contract to bring supplies from Larena, 600 miles east, to Salt Lake City. It must have been in this period that he obtained his Henry rifle. "The Indians continued to be troublesome for several years. We had a number of engagements at different times and places". A man of considerable talents, Mr. Clark was apparently quite a hunter and guide. To quote, "I have been very fond of hunting all my life, and have taken many parties on hunting excursions in the mountains. I killed a great many deer and 27 bear in my life-many were grizzleys". The gun itself is a rare find. Numbered in the 7000 serial range, this 2nd Model Henry rifle has been modified to load at the rear of the magazine tube and the barrel has been shortened to eliminate the now unnecessary barrel shroud. The barrel is now 19 inches in lenth, reducing the weight of the gun by approximately one pound. The gun has also been converted from the .44 rimfire to .44 centerfire, possibly for the .44 S&W centerfire cartridge. The work was apparently performed by a very competent gunsmith, as the design and the execution are very professional. The gun is in good mechanical condition, has a reasonably good bore and all original serial numbered parts, including the butt plate. The histroical information comes from Mr. Clark's autobiography, as recopied by his granddaughter and his great grandson, David Clark, who states, "my name is David O. Clark, my goal is to tell about my grandfather, Davis Clark, with the hope of sharing a part of him with someone that appreciates Utah pioneer history". Mr. Clark's biography contains much more detail relative to his encounters with native Americans and his experiences while crossing the great plains and on the Utah frontier in the mid 19th century. Documentation with the gun includes signed and notarized statement by his great grandson, his granddaughter, pictures of himself and his family, his grave in Springville, Utah cementary, his death certificate and more. The history associated with this man and his Henry rifle is truly remarkable. PRICE: $14,500 We are Antique & Modern Firearms in Lexington, KY, dealer of fine firearms since 1974. PH. 859-276-1419 We Buy, Sell and Trade Firearms & Knives. Have a Individual Firearm, Firearms Collection, or Firearms Estate to sell, let us know, we can buy or consignment sell it for you. NOTE: No additional fee for a Credit Card payment.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Henry
Model: Henry Rifle