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March 4, 2026
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I’m looking for informed collector feedback on an original brass-frame New Haven Arms Henry rifle, serial no. 7516, believed to be 1864 production. This was a gift to me in a set of a few other guns from a friend whose father was a former collector and she wanted me to have them. I don’t know how to begin trying to “authenticate” it but here’s where I am so far.
1. The rifle has matching serial numbers on the top barrel flat, lower tang under the stock, stock inlet, and inside buttplate. There’s an “&” on the tang but no other markings I can find.
2. As far as google can help me tell, it retains late-production Henry features including the Type II brass frame, pointed buttplate, sling swivel and barrel loop, correct-style folding ladder rear sight marked 1–8 with center notch and elevator stop screw, and the large two-line New Haven Arms barrel address (Pictured).
3. The stock is crack-free with very tight wood-to-metal fit and retains the original Henry “bump” below the left-side sling swivel area. Is that even possible with a gun that is dated to be this old? The brass frame is very clean with attractive aged patina, tight sideplate fit, and no major dents or damage. Basically, it seems very clean and again, I don’t know if that’s reasonable for something dated back to the 1860s
4.The barrel/magazine has smooth aged patina with crisp markings. but there is no Bluing left on it. Bore shows clear rifling with minor pitting. The cleaning rod is present in the buttstock. An old leather sling with hook-style attachments is present, though the adjuster is marked “Pat. Jan. 12, 1897,” so I’m treating the sling as a later accessory.
5. Per my little Winchester handbook, The serial number falls within the 7000–8000 range. so 1864 manufacture?
I would appreciate any knowledgeable input on originality, configuration, cleaning rod/sight correctness, etc. Photos available for review.
April 30, 2023
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A damn fine gift!
March 21, 2011
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1865, according to the “when was your Winchester made” link found under the resources tab at the top of the WACA forum page.
Looks like that one definitely checks all the boxes. Nice!!
April 15, 2005
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I sent Rob Kassab a link to this topic. He is a resident Henry Guru.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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I think the sling is newer than the rifle but it looks good on the gun.
December 9, 2002
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Benjamin,
I also like you’re Henry, and am glad you are sharing it here with us. From the pictures that you posted, I don’t see any red flags, as everything looks correct to me. I’ll try to touch on a few points that you did also.
I agree with Darrin as the 1865 being the year of manufacture. Using the resource here on the WACA site is you’re best reference. You’re ” little Winchester Handbook “, is an already older and outdated way to reference Winchester dates of manufacture.
Most of the surviving Henry’s we’re well used and had little if any bluing on the barrel.
The sling might be later as you said as I’m not sure on the slings buckle, but the Swivels look good to me, from the pictures. Others can verify that better.
It’s neat having the cleaning rod in the butt.
Having verified the stamped numbers on the other parts that you’re pictures show is definitely a plus!
I’m not sure of the “&” stamp on the tang. As much as it might look familiar, I can’t remember if I ever knew what it means. We have some other members who could possibly help with identifying it. In many cases we see a “W”, or an “H”, there or behind the screw.
I’m thinking you’re post Civil War Henry, or late Civil War Henry, ( 4/12/1861-5/26/1865 ), is a “Type ll” Martially marked rifle. A “AWM”, or a “JT”, military inspectors stamp would be stamped on the left side of the but stock wrist. I’m not sure when yours was made in 1865!
A very nice Henry rifle!
Tony
March 31, 2009
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This Henry is not in the correct serial number range for a later military rifle. Take a picture of the cleaning rod. It is really hard to tell the difference of an original metal rod and the repos so I wouldn’t worry about it.
December 9, 2002
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Chuck said
This Henry is not in the correct serial number range for a later military rifle. Take a picture of the cleaning rod. It is really hard to tell the difference of an original metal rod and the repos so I wouldn’t worry about it.
Chuck,
I am pretty sure serial numbers between 7000-9000, are “Type ll martial” Henry Rifles. I have one so marked a few hundred numbers under the one mentioned. These were Mfg. in 1864, and 1865.
If I remember correctly, this one I have has the “JT”, on the wrist.
Tony
March 31, 2009
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Anthony said
Chuck said
This Henry is not in the correct serial number range for a later military rifle. Take a picture of the cleaning rod. It is really hard to tell the difference of an original metal rod and the repos so I wouldn’t worry about it.
Chuck,
I am pretty sure serial numbers between 7000-9000, are “Type ll martial” Henry Rifles. I have one so marked a few hundred numbers under the one mentioned. These were Mfg. in 1864, and 1865.
Tony
That proves never say never. Does it have the later stamp or the earlier stamps?
December 9, 2002
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Chuck said
Anthony said
Chuck said
This Henry is not in the correct serial number range for a later military rifle. Take a picture of the cleaning rod. It is really hard to tell the difference of an original metal rod and the repos so I wouldn’t worry about it.
Chuck,
I am pretty sure serial numbers between 7000-9000, are “Type ll martial” Henry Rifles. I have one so marked a few hundred numbers under the one mentioned. These were Mfg. in 1864, and 1865.
Tony
That proves never say never. Does it have the later stamp or the earlier stamps?
The Later!
To add to that I only think a few hundred Henry’s had that, or at least less than one thousand. Springfield Research might be able to verify that better, as it’s been awhile since I contacted them on it.
Tony
February 22, 2005
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Nice looking Henry and I concur with pother that I don’t see any “red flags” except perhaps the leather sling.
Taks a real close look on the left side of the wrist for either a JT or AWS mark. Attached are some photos.
Rob Kassab
Director & Executive Editor
Winchester Arms Collectors Association
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February 22, 2024
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I have a Henry in the same serial range. With the inspectors mark on the wrist it is military. They were issued to the 3rd US Vol Veterans Infantry Div
The gun was issued to the volunteers as an sigh on bonus as they could take the gun with them when they muster out. Mine was issued to a Abraham Josephs. Check with Vonny at The Horse soldier. She researched the serial number at the National Archive’s and found all sorts of goodies for me on my rifle Like muster cards and even a ledger Paige of him signing for the rifle
You have a good one
December 9, 2002
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martin rabeno said
I have a Henry in the same serial range. With the inspectors mark on the wrist it is military. They were issued to the 3rd US Vol Veterans Infantry Div
The gun was issued to the volunteers as an sigh on bonus as they could take the gun with them when they muster out. Mine was issued to a Abraham Josephs. Check with Vonny at The Horse soldier. She researched the serial number at the National Archive’s and found all sorts of goodies for me on my rifle Like muster cards and even a ledger Paige of him signing for the rifle
You have a good one
Martin,
I appreciate that information as I sent Vonny an email, @ “The Horse Soldier”, to see what he might have on mine. Much appreciated.
Tony
February 22, 2024
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Anthony. I also on my own found his tombstone here in Philadelphia at mt Sinai cemetery. Need to get there and take a photo of the rifle against the tombstone My rifle is number 7250 Let me know what she finds or you. She’s good.
marty
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