The BR Henry Repeating History

Civil War era Henry's at the National Firearms Museum

2011-03-30T16:26:00.000-04:00

Check out this beautiful collection of firearms taken at the National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, VA at the NRA Headquarters. 2 Civil War era Henry's are at the top (without the forearms). Thanks so much Sara Adler for sharing the photo. This is a trip I'm going to need to take!

Orginal Henry

2011-03-26T22:07:00.002-04:00

From Henry Repeating Arms:

Q. Do you make the original Henry, the model without the forearm?

A. While historically significant, the original Henry design does not meet our standards today for safety and reliability. The new Henry Big Boy has many of the features of the original but with a much improved action.
The original was made in 44 Rimfire, which is now an obsolete caliber.

Double Barrel Shotguns

Q. Did Henry ever make a double barrel shotgun?

A. Henry never made shotguns. In the early 1900s double barrel shotguns made in Belgium were imported into the US by the Folsom Arms Company and sold to hardware stores. They were marked Henry apparently to have an American sounding name, but they have no relationship to Henry in the US. They are known as “Hardware” guns and the value is more sentimental than monetary. They are typically valued at about $250.

2010-07-12T21:24:00.003-04:00

Only two organizations, the 1st Maine and 1st District of Columbia cavalry regiments, were known to have been issued Henry rifles by the Army.

Union Army 1st Sergeant

2010-05-17T22:15:00.001-04:00

Unidentified Union army 1st sergeant with his early model Henry. I doubt he ever imagined that he had $40,000 to $100,000 dollars in his hand. FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER!

Lorenzo D.Fisher

2010-05-17T21:49:00.002-04:00

1st Captain Lorenzo D.Fisher with his Henry. B Company, 10th Kentucky Partisan Rangers

1st D.C.Cavalry

2010-05-17T21:48:00.003-04:00

Unknown soldier with his Henry from the 1st D.C.Cavalry

Early Model Henry

2010-05-17T21:46:00.000-04:00

Don't know who this guy is, but he has an early model Henry.

Captain Allen L. Fahnestock

2010-05-17T21:37:00.003-04:00

Captain Allen L. Fahnestock, Company I, 86th Illinois Vol. Infantry with his Henry rifle, 1863

Daniel McCook, Sr.

2010-05-17T20:57:00.006-04:00

Daniel McCook, Sr. with his Henry Rifle. Killed at the Battle of Buffington Island in 1863.

Guns Of The Civil War - Part 2

2010-03-11T20:31:00.002-05:00

"The rifle performed well, firing 1040 rounds without cleaning and hitting an eighteen inch square with fourteen of fifteen shots at a range of 348 feet."

This is excellent!

.44 Henry

2010-03-11T20:21:00.001-05:00

The cartridge is named in honor of Benjamin Tyler Henry, A 19th century American gunsmith. Henry was the foreman of the New Haven Arms Company, who had been working on a new, innovative rifle and rimfire cartridge. On October 16, 1860, Henry was granted a patent for the famous Henry Repeating Rifle. Both the cartridge and the rifle were named for Henry, its inventor^[2]... MORE

$46,000 Rifle & Revolver

2010-03-11T20:18:00.001-05:00

When Cabela's in East Hartford, CT opened, they had 2 Henry's for sale. One was $44,000 and the other $40,000.

Civil War Henry Rifle Action

2010-03-11T20:16:00.001-05:00

.44 Rimfire Civil War Henry

2009-02-17T12:52:00.003-05:00

APPRAISER: It's patented by B. Tyler Henry in 1860, and he had the guns manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company in New Haven, Connecticut. Some of the unusual features about this is it shoots a metallic cartridge and .44 rimfire, and that's sort of the beginning of the metallic cartridge era. The other thing is the gun is capable of holding 15 rounds. As you can well understand, in the mid-19th century, the average soldier is walking around with a musket and here's a gun that holds 15 cartridges. All you have to do to actually fire it is cycle this lever. It ejects the spent cartridge and loads a new round. The Confederate soldiers, when this gun first arrived on the battlefield, would say, you know, this is just terribly unfair because they can load this gun on Sunday and they can shoot this thing all week. It really is a movement into the forefront of the modern weapon. The way that it feeds-- there's a spring, which is actually missing on this gun that runs the length of the barrel here, and then there's a little lever or a plunger, and what you would do is you would take this plunger and you'd push the spring all the way to the top, turn the barrel over, and it catches the spring, and then you gravity-feed the cartridges down the magazine. So we are missing that spring and we're missing the little lever. What we do have that's kind of interesting and kind of nice is if we look here at the butt of the gun, we can see there's a little trap, a hole in the butt. And out of that, we find the original cleaning rods. And it's unusual to find these rods. It's not unheard of, but it is unusual and it's a nice, nice feature that we do have them intact with the gun. Roughly 14,000 of these rifles were made, so there's not very many of them. And collectors, they're really interested in them because this gun eventually becomes a Winchester. The gun directly after this is the Winchester Model 66 and then we have the Winchester Model 73, and these are the guns that are identified as capturing the West, but what's even better about your gun, or more unusual, is this gun was actually purchased by the government to be used in the American Civil War, and one of the ways we know that-- if we look here on the butt stock, there's a little cartouche. And then right here at the end of the barrel and over at the top of the frame, we'll see a CGC. That's for Charles G. Chapman, and he is the government inspector that was sent to inspect these rifles so that the government would accept them. The proper serial number range for a martial Henry falls roughly between 3,000 and 4,000, and if we look here under the sight, we're going to see that we have serial number 3,645, and that's a very desirable feature for a Henry collector. When we come back and we look at the stock, we see the wood is in really nice shape. The brass has this lovely, lovely patina to it and the barrel actually has a tremendous amount of original bright blue, but it's underneath this peppery rust. The way the gun sits here today when we're looking at it, in a retail situation, it's probably worth around $35,000. It's hard to find this particular rifle with this amount of original finish on it. It is not the first cartridge gun, but it is the one that probably, more than likely in the collecting community, obtained the most fame.

President Lincoln's Henry

2007-06-13T21:20:00.002-04:00

This gold mounted, engraved Henry rifle was presented to Abraham Lincoln in an effort to obtain his influence in their purchase for the war effort. This rifle was awarded the National Rifle Association Collectors Society Gold Medal as an outstanding historical firearm.

Check out the Henry's!

2007-06-12T23:23:00.002-04:00

Henry's Repeating Rifle - 1865 Catalogue

2007-05-17T22:19:00.001-04:00

Washington City, December 29th, 1863

Dear Sir:
A thorough practical trial of your Rifles in the field, even with ordinary care, has demonstrated beyond all question, that it has no equal in the service. Since it has become known to the leaders of the numerous guerrilla bands, that my Regiment is armed with these Rifles, it is impossible for us to provoke a fight with them. Even small squads of my men have driven Mosby and White's whole force beyond the Blue Ridge, without firing a shot or drawing a sabre.

Very respectfully yours, &c.,

L. C. Baker
Col. Commanding 1st D.D. Cavalry

from 'Henry's Repeating Rifle - 1865 Catalogue-'

I just received my copy and this is a great little book! It's full of testimonials from military personnel in the 1860's, i.e. L.C. Baker, Col. Commanding 1st D.C. Calvary written in 1863. The book also has articles from the Louisville Journal, such as this one called, "A TERRIBLE WEAPON" written 1n 1862. There's an article from (would you believe) Scientific American (from what seems to be the same era). There are the diagrams I've posted above, instructions on 'What to do' and 'What not to do', and a arts price list from New Haven Arms Co. when a replacement receiver went for $10.00. This is a 'must have' for us guys and girls who are into Henry's. Note that Abby at Cornell publications has one of these catalogues or manuals on just about any gun you can imagine. Write her for a list.

The first page of the book...

The Henry - The First Repeating Rifle

Utilizing the basic concept of a self-contained metallic cartridge, as patented by Smith and Wesson, the 16-shot Henry was the first truly practical repeating rifle. It was perfected by B. Tyler Henry for the New Haven Arms Company and its principal stockholder, Oliver F. Winchester. Only about 14,000 were manufactured by this Company between 1860 and 1866. Because of the turbulent times and the superior firepower offered by this weapon, a very high percentage of the Henry rifles saw active service, either in the Civil War or on the western frontier. With slight modifications it would, in 1866, evolve to the famed "Yellow Boy" Winchester.

Public acceptance of the Henry was instantaneous. Although the cartridge itself, the .44 caliber rimfire, was low-powered, the capability of being able to fire 16 shots rapidly constituted an enormous advantage. When used in early skirmishes these new rifles demonstrated overwhelming firepower. The factory was never able to catch up with orders and only one model was manufactured on a regular basis. During the Civil War, some Northern volunteer units bought their own Henry rifles and ammunition and considered it money well spent. The Confederates referred to the Henrys as "that damn Yankee rifle that can be loaded on Sunday and fired all week." Considering they were using single-shot Springfields versus 16-shot Henrys their comment is understandable. The cost of a Henry ranged from $42 in the East to $75 in California . A contemporary advertisement claimed the Henry to be "the most effective weapon in the world" - and at the time it was the truth.

The arrival of the Henry on the frontier revolutionized the fighting tactics of both Indians and whites. Previously, when attacking a small party, the Indians strategy was for a few warriors to charge and draw the fire of the riflemen's single-shot rifles. Then the remainder of the Indians would rush before their opponents could reload. The first Indians to encounter the new Henry rifles were obviously in for a very rude surprise. Such an incident occurred in 1865 when some 40 Blackfeet warriors attacked two miners in Montana and, to their surprise and horror, the Indians were completely defeated by the guns "that wouldn't stop shooting." Thereafter they referred to the Henrys as "Spirit Guns."

The Henry found early and enthusiastic acceptance in Wyoming . Travelers through this volatile country knew full well that they passed through on the thin tolerance of the hostile tribes. The prudent secured the best firearms they could get. One of the most notable uses of the Henry in the Powder River area was the 1866 Fetterman Battle . Two Civilians, Isaac Fisher and James Wheatley, were armed with Henrys and by all accounts inflicted numerous casualties on the Indians before running out of ammunition and being overwhelmed.

CLICK HERE to purchase the book.

2007-05-13T22:51:00.002-04:00

“I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.” - Thomas Jefferson

The Historic Henry Rifle: Oliver Winchester’s Famous Civil War Repeater

2007-05-10T19:26:00.002-04:00

I just received a copy of this book and it's an excellent historic source for people like us who enjoy shooting or collecting Henry rifles. There are some really nice color photos, including pictures of some old timers posing with their Henry. The book can be purchased from Mowbray Publishing. One thing I found interesting is that there isn't a forearm on these rifles. I'm guessing they must have worn leather gloves to keep themselves from burning their hands on the barrel (maybe there's something in the book about it). This rifle is getting me interested the Civil War again. I need to take another trip to Gettysburg this summer. ~BR

A book by Wiley Sword.

Wiley Sword has shown us that good arms books can come in small packages with his work on the Henry Rifle. In the first three parts of the volume the author takes the reader through the inception of the weapon, marketing and combat service.

Oliver Winchester and the New Haven Arms Company had great plans for B. Tyler Henry’s concept of a rapid fire .44 metallic cartridge weapon that could give the user firepower never before seen on the battlefield. Winchester, however, was faced with numerous problems in production, frustrations with the government, sales, and even an explosion in the cartridge factory.

After many setbacks the Henry began to see service with the western Union armies and the material dealing with its field use will be most interesting to the reader.

Sword gives extensive coverage to the use of the Henry by such units as the 1st D.C. Cavalry and the 66th Illinois. Many rifles were obtained by private purchase. The combat value far outdistanced the cost and the soldiers gladly put up the required amount. Since they owned the firearms a large number came home with the men when they were mustered out after the war.

More than 600 Henrys were also used to arm the 3rd Regiment U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry. Government criticism continued to plague the manufacturer as well as problems with the cartridge, parts, breakage and field use damages. New Haven Arms Company did learn from its wartime mistakes and following a series of improvements the postwar Winchester became the successful weapon we know today.

This book is filled with important data that is connected to the rifle and its use. At the end of Part III there are tables on expended Henry rounds by western troops, known serial numbers of rifles carried by the 66th Illinois and ammunition reports for the 66th Illinois.

.44 caliber Henry Repeating Rifle bullets with partial hulls still attached.

Appendices cover such areas as estimated Henry production by serial numbers, government purchases, serial numbers reported by the 3rd Regiment U.S. Veteran Volunteers, historically identified Henrys, comments on the iron frame Henry, and production configurations of the Henry. A transcript of the U.S. Government 1864 trials is also included.

The Historic Henry Rifle has numerous black and white photographs as well as an eight-page color section. The text is well written and the paper quality will take a lot of use by the collector, researcher or general reader. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in this unique weapon.

Dale E. Biever

Dale E. Biever received his M.Ed. in American history from Kutztown University. He is Governor and Vice President for Administration of the Company of Military Historians. A retired educa-tor, he was registrar at the Civil War Library and Museum in Philad

2007-05-06T22:53:00.001-04:00

“A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
- 2nd Ammendment

A CIVIL WAR HENRY RIFLE

2007-05-05T22:08:00.001-04:00

A CIVIL WAR HENRY RIFLE
Historically Inscribed "A.G. Rolf Co. D 23rd Ill. Inf."
by Tom Seymour

"Personally inscribed Henry rifles bearing the militia unit are not only a rare collectors item, but also afford the collector the opportunity to trace the gun's military engagement history which, in many situations, results in the collector learning interesting facts about the original owner of the inscribed gun. Not much is known about Private Rolf, except that he saw a lot of action and survived the Civil war. He was a farmer and according to noted collector, Thurston Van Horn, who owned this Henry for over 20 years, Mr. Rolf is buried in the local cemetery at Quincy, Illinois..."

The Civil War Henry Rifle

2007-05-05T21:59:00.001-04:00

Choice factory engraved and silver plated Henry rifle with rosewood stock inscribed to A. C. Oslon (reportably member of the Michigan Calvary), fine factory engraved Henry rifle number 1085 with much original coloring.

(above) Rare early engraved Henry rifle "John B. Martin, Company H. 5th Ky. L.L." U.S. Martial Henry and good first model Win "66.

The Henry rifle was the immediate forerunner of the famous Winchester rifles. About 14,000 Henry’s were made between 1860 and 1866 by the New Haven Arms Company. The Henry rifle was developed from the Volcanic firearms system and was built around the .44 rimfire cartridge. Both the new rifle and the cartridge were designed by B. Tyler Henry. A basic feature of the .44 rimfire cartridge was the use of a metallic casing, rather than the undependable, self-contained powder, ball, and primer of the Volcanic bullet. Loading continued to be from the muzzle end of the magazine. Although a revolutionary weapon in Civil War service, it was made in relative limited quantities. Quite a few company-size Union organizations, especially those from Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, carried Henry rifles, purchased at their own expense.

This gold mounted, engraved Henry rifle was presented to President Abraham Lincoln. This presentation was probably made in an effort to convince the President of the rifle’s worthiness and obtain his influence in the purchase of these weapons for the war effort. Nevertheless, only about 1,731 Henry rifles were purchased by the Ordnance Department between 1862 and 1865. Two organizations, the 1st Maine and 1st District of Columbia cavalry regiments, were known to have been issued Henry rifles.

Division of the History of Technology, Armed Forces History
National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
Behring Center
Gift of Robert Beckwith

(from http://www.civilwar.si.edu/weapons_henry.html#)

Common Guns in the Civil War
1860 Henry Rifle

Henry's History Page

2007-05-05T21:31:00.004-04:00

Color Guard of the 7th Illinois Infantry

Henry's History Page

Henry History and Manufacturing Video

2007-05-05T21:10:00.001-04:00

An interesting video from Henry Repeating about their history and manufacturing.