Hello,

This item is a late 1800s Henry Rifle, a significant piece of American history, especially valued by collectors of antique firearms. Henry rifles were revolutionary in their time, representing one of the first reliable lever-action repeating rifles, which had a substantial impact on both the American Civil War and the subsequent expansion into the West. The rifle in question, with its original components and historical repairs, speaks to the lived experiences of its owners over the past century. The serial number could potentially provide more exact historical details if further research or verification is conducted.

In terms of historical context, Henry rifles were developed by Benjamin Tyler Henry, the inventor who patented the design in 1860. These rifles were known for their rapid-fire capability, holding up to 15 rounds in a magazine, which was a remarkable innovation at the time. The Henry rifle’s reputation for reliability and speed made it a coveted weapon during the Civil War and in the post-war years as settlers moved westward. The specific model shown in the image, while repaired, appears to maintain the integrity of its design, including its brass receiver, which was a hallmark of the original Henry rifles.