Henry Rifle Serial No. 1, A Historic Piece, Set for Auction This June

Iconic Firearm Set to Hit the Auction Block

This June, a piece of American history will take center stage at Rock Island Auction Company's "The American Sale" in Bedford, Texas. The first production Henry rifle, identified as serial number 1, is set for auction on June 27, alongside other historic artifacts. This particular rifle was presented to Edwin Stanton, who served as Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of War during the tumultuous Civil War period. Following Lincoln's death, Stanton famously remarked, "Now he belongs to the ages," highlighting his crucial role in a turning point in American history.

The Henry rifle is not merely a remarkable collector's item; it represents a significant technological advancement in firearm history. Identified as the direct predecessor to the Winchester, this weapon paved the way for innovations in firearms that shaped the very fabric of the American West. Its pre-auction estimate ranges between $1.6 million and $3.5 million, a testament to its value not only as a weapon but also as an artifact of cultural and historical importance.

The Significance of Henry Rifle Serial No. 1

During the 19th century, firearms companies often created embellished presentation arms to win over influential figures in government. In a world where military contracts could change the fate of a company, New Haven Arms developed the Henry rifle, which became one of the first successful repeating firearms. While several presentation pieces were gifted to notable leaders, the "Lincoln Cabinet guns" stand out as some of the most prestigious.

Among them, President Lincoln's own Henry rifle, serial number 6, is preserved within the Smithsonian Institute, while the one belonging to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles, serial number 9, can be found at the Autry Museum. The available specimen, Edwin Stanton's Henry No. 1, marks the last of this iconic trio that collectors hope to acquire.

Stanton's Henry rifle holds a pivotal role in the lineage of firearms, leading directly to the Winchester repeating arms. The evolution the Henry underwent in merely six years transformed it into the very first offering of the Winchester company. This lineage didn't stop there; the famed Model 1873 by Winchester would eventually be referred to as "the Gun that Won the West."

As Kevin Hogan, President of RIAC, aptly notes, "There’s no question this is the most important lever-action rifle in private circulation. This is the first Winchester, the origin of that rifle that won the West. In terms of history, rarity, condition, and provenance to Secretary Edwin Stanton, it’s impossible to overstate the significance of this rifle."

The Auction Event Details

The American Sale will commence at 5 p.m. on June 27, complemented by preview events scheduled for June 26 and 27, from noon to 5 p.m. each day. The meticulously curated auction will feature 173 extraordinary lots, especially appealing to collectors and history enthusiasts. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with items that echo through two-and-a-half centuries of American history.

Other notable auction items will include a manuscript letter signed by George Washington during the Revolutionary War, a pistol carried by Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf during Desert Storm, and the gold sword awarded posthumously to Brevet Lt. Col. George Armistead, the man behind the iconic Star-Spangled Banner.

About Rock Island Auction Company

Established in 1993 by CEO Patrick Hogan, Rock Island Auction Company has been the leading name in fine and historic arms auctions since 2003. The venue in Bedford, Texas has become the world headquarters for high-stakes firearm transactions, showcasing the company’s dedicated mission to "Elevate firearms collecting. Sell with Passion." Renowned for handling landmark sales, RIAC provides multiple auction formats designed to accommodate collectors of all experiences.

For further information about this auction and the remarkable items it will present, visit Rock Island Auction Company or contact their offices directly. This June, collectors have a chance to own a piece of history that resonates with America's past and the indomitable spirit of its people.