"MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE. SN 4938. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4" oct bbl with integral magazine tube, German silver front sight blade and 900 yard ladder rear sight. Mounted with dark stained, uncheckered walnut stock with first model Henry buttplate with rnd heel and sling swivel on left side with a corresponding sling loop on left side of bbl. Left sideplate is engraved in period script "Presented to / Lt. William J. Creasey / by the citizens of / Newburyport, Mass. / 1867". Receiver & buttplate were originally silver plated. Accompanied by a small packet of information from the Historical Society of Old Newbury which lists William J. Creasey as having been born Jan. 24, 1822 in Newburyport. He enlisted as a 1st Lieutenant in Company I, 23rd Mass Infantry on Oct. 11, 1861 for three years. He was with his regiment in North Carolina at the Battles of Roanoke Island & New Berne, NC in February & March respectively and resigned July 16, 1862. Additional information in this packet leaves one to believe that Lt. Creasey was engaged in the shipping business and is the likely reason for his resignation before his expiration of term of service. An additional entry in 1864 indicates that Lt. Creasey was involved with the attempt to raise a company of heavy artillery to garrison the fort that was being built at the entrance to the Newburyport Harbor. The Army declined their offer stating there were twelve companies of heavy artillery on duty in Massachusetts and the army would garrison the new fort from these forces. Thus far no information has been discovered as to the reason for the post-war presentation of this rifle but given the fact that Lt. Creasey was apparently very active in the local activities in Newburyport and a ship owner, it is likely that additional research could develop substantially more information. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains on bbl & magazine tube, with both being a dark brown patina with some scattered moderate rust pitting. Most of bbl address is still visible. Receiver shows heavy wear with rounded edges and retains 20-30% orig silver. Buttstock has a repaired crack in wrist and retains most of a dark stained restored finish. Buttplate retains 60-70% orig silver. Trigger return spring is broken or missing, otherwise mechanics are fine. Worn dark bore. The follower is a period of use replacement. 4-31680 JR189 (22,500-32,500)"
Back to the index
|
