Welcome to as we speak’s Photo of the Day! This New Haven Arms Firm Henry rifle from round September 1863 was probably the most revolutionary weapons to hit Civil Warfare battlefields. Whereas most troopers carried single-shot rifles and muskets, this .44 rimfire lever-action spit out sixteen speedy photographs that might flip a skirmish round quick. The Henry’s battlefield affect was as a lot psychological as tactical. Accomplice troopers known as it “that damned Yankee rifle you load on Sunday and shoot all week.” Union troops who might scrape collectively the non-public buy worth—roughly 4 months’ soldier’s pay—knew they carried a decisive edge with quantity of fireside.
The rifle bridged Civil Warfare expertise and frontier growth. After Appomattox, 1000’s of Henry rifles headed west with discharged troopers, homesteaders, and fortune seekers. The identical rapid-fire functionality that helped beat Accomplice forces proved equally beneficial in opposition to hostile Native American warriors who shortly found out this weapon’s superiority. Native People adopted the Henry as enthusiastically as white settlers. Warriors beloved its firepower and reliability, usually grabbing them via commerce or battlefield seize. The lever motion suited mounted fight completely—riders might work the motion whereas controlling their horses with one hand.
This instance reveals typical discipline modifications: sling swivels and an alternate rear sight. Sensible additions that scream critical use quite than ceremonial possession. The crammed slot within the buttstock and a number of serial quantity stampings inform the story of a weapon that noticed energetic service, not safe-queen obligation. Troopers who owned Henrys grew to become celebrities of their items. Fifteen additional photographs meant the distinction between retreating and holding floor. Accomplice forces realized to focus on Henry-armed troops first—take out the rapid-fire functionality earlier than it carved up your assault. This Henry represents American firearms innovation on the precise second when repeating rifles began changing single-shot weapons without end. The way forward for warfare, wrapped in brass and walnut.
“Civil Warfare Period New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Motion Rifle.” Rock Island Public sale Firm, https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/5012/1/civil-war-era-new-haven-arms-co-henry-lever-action-rifle. Accessed 23 June 2025.
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