^Lot 3012 RARE EUROPEAN COPY OF HENRY RIFLE.

Cal. 44. S# 212. Bavarian copy of Henry rifle, 27.5" round barrel which loads from shrouded slot in magazine tube somewhat like the Briggs experimental brass framed Winchesters. These rifles were made in the 1870s and several identical examples are known in museum collections including the Winchester arms collection in Cody WY, they have S# 181. Winchester collector forums talk about these, and only an estimated 5 or 6 are documented, highest S# is 471. One student stated, 500 were made for the Bavarian Royal Guard.Mechanically these rifles are identical to the Winchester made Henry, except for the magazine loading system and external fittings. Most every part is numbered including screw heads. Royal Bavarian proofs observed on right side of frame and barrel. British proofs are also found on the left side of frame and barrel along with agent marking on top of barrel: "BJ STACEY / LONDON". Herb Parsons in his text "THE FIRST WINCHESTERS" in his chapter "RARE WINCHESTERS" shows institutionalized survivor with same British markings along with Royal Bavarian markings. CONDITION: very good overall, iron & brass patina, appears complete and original other than missing lever latch, ramrod looks better than rest of the gun and is not numbered but fits perfectly screwing into raised flange on left side of frame. 900 yard rear sight is almost exact copy of Henry with slide retaining screw at top. Lightly struck "NEW HAVEN ARM CO" is later addition and not original. Sling swivels on right side like other noted examples, mechanics are fine, well defined 6 land and groove rifling. (01-26878/JS). ANTIQUE. $3,000-5,000.