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Rare CIVIL WAR MILITIA SABER RIFLE J HENRY & SON .58 2-Band Boulton Antique Possibly 1 of 6 Rifles Produced by JAMES HENRY & SON
Guns International #: 102680444 Seller's Inventory #: 228231
Category: Civil War Rifles - Antique Rifles - Percussion
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1567
Total Number of Listings: 30377
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
Rare CIVIL WAR MILITIA SABER RIFLE J HENRY & SON .58 2-Band Boulton Antique
Possibly 1 of 6 Rifles Produced by JAMES HENRY & SON
Here we present an antique J. Henry & Son 2-Band Civil War Militia Rifle Made for a Saber Bayonet, made circa 1861 in Boulton, Pennsylvania. The gunmaking firm of J. Henry & Son was established by William Henry in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, prior to the French & Indian War, circa the 1750s. The family business eventually relocated to Boulton, Pennsylvania in the early-19th Century. The firm became known generally as the Boulton Gun Works. After John Joseph’s death, his son James took over, and in 1859 James’ son Granville joined the firm and the name was changed to “J. Henry & Son”. During their nearly six decades in business prior to the name change, the Henry family had produced guns for the new United States government, for the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland and numerous fur trading companies engaged in commerce with the many American Indian tribes. They also worked as jobbers for other Pennsylvania gunmakers such as P.S. Justice, Leman, and Krider.
At the start of the Civil War, Henry (along with many others, the above makers among them) looked to produce military arms by contract for state and local militias. One of these was something he called either “Mini Rifle” or “Saber Rifle”, which was of shorter stature overall but made up for part of the length lost with a longer saber bayonet. Records indicate that 285 “Mini” Rifles” produced by Henry during the summer of 1861 were sold almost entirely to P.S. Justice, who sold them to the U.S. government to help satisfy his contract for rifles. However, Henry sold 40 of these rifles to the Bethlehem Home Guard in August of 1861. Henry also produced some 952 “Saber Rifles” during the summer of 1861, most of which (876) were also sold to Justice, with deliveries starting in September of that year. However, 70 were sold by Henry to the Catasanga Home Guard in October and November, and another 6 were used as sample rifles in an attempt to obtain other military contracts.
This is one of the very scarce J. Henry & Son Saber Rifles, and what we believe may have been one of the six sample guns. The 876 guns sold to Justice were P.S. Justice marked and only the 70 “home guard” saber rifles and the 6 samples were marked with just the Henry name. The standard finish for the J. Henry & Son Saber Rifle was a color case hardened lock and browned barrel, with all small iron parts blued and the brass mountings left bright. This rifle was clearly tinned throughout. With only 76 of the total production of these rifles being sold or delivered by Henry to someone other than P.S. Justice, and with this rifle being Henry marked instead of Justice marked, it is a very rare gun. Even including the 876 delivered to Justice, less than 1,000 of these rifles were produced.
The overall condition is fine. Original tin finish remains bright. Excellent action. The bore is bright with strong rifling. This example sports a solid stock. “J. HENRY & SON” is marked on the lock and left barrel flat. This one comes with an S&K bayonet and scabbard that is in good condition with a darker patina. This is an incredible piece and that saber bayonet is very impressive.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 35 inches.
Caliber: .58 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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ancestryguns
$4200
#228231
Price: $4,200.00
Antique: Yes