NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED SILVER PLATED HENRY REPEATING RIFLE.

Inv. 01-19938

Cal. 44 Henry RF. S# 4755.

The famed Henry Repeating Rifle is an icon of the Civil War & American Frontier periods. It is the predecessor of the Winchester Rifle, approx. 14,000 were mfg. 1860-1866. Silver finished brass receiver features spectacular hand engraving by L. D. Nimschke. Louis Daniel Nimschke (1832-1904) was a master engraver who worked for many of the major firearms manufacturers of the 19th century. Vine type foliate scroll w/ punch dot backgrounds decorate the sides of the receiver. Right side plate features an open a banner. Left sideplate features an eagle w/ serpent as found on the early Mexican national seal. Eagle is surrounded by stars over a bed of cactus similar to the early state of Florida seal. Additional engraving is found on upper & lower receiver surfaces & on tangs highlighted by an 8 pointed star on front receiver flat. Upper edges of side plates have unusual serrated decoration. Bbl. 24″ oct. w/ integral mag. which is loaded by rotating shroud at the front of the bbl. Top bbl. flat is marked “HENRY’S PATENT, OCT. 16, 1860 / MANUFACT’D BY THE NEW HAVEN ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CT.”. S# “4755” is found on breech end. German silver blade front sight, open rear sight dovetail & 800 yard graduated leaf sight is receiver mounted. Walnut stock w/ early style rounded heel silver finished brass trapdoor buttplate. Left inside tang & top tang channel of stock are serial numbered “4755” that match the bbl. number. Back of buttplate has matching number “4755” w/ inside surfaces of buttplate having a heavy green verdigris. Tang & buttplate screws are numbered to the rifle. Buttplate has highlights of engraving to match the action. Proper style vintage leather sling w/ brass hook on front is held on original left side swivels.

STATUS: ANTIQUE