HISTORIC CIVIL WAR INSCRIBED HENRY MODEL 1860 RIFLE TO ANDERSONVILLE PRISON SURVIVOR FRANK W. SMITH.

SN 1431. Cal. .44RF Henry. 24-3/8″ bbl with small script “HENRY PATENT OCT 16 1860 / MANUFACT’D BY NEW HAVEN ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT.” Early style brass receiver with rear sight dovetail and buttplate with rounded heel. Sling swivel on left side of stock and rib area of mag tube and bbl. All screws correctly marked with matching SN. Buttplate numbered to the gun. Beautiful mellow mustard colored brass on left and also mustard colored brass on right with inscription that reads “FROM STILMAN WITT ESQ. / TO / FRANK.W.SMITH, / 124. O.V.I. FEBY. 8TH/64”, which was four days after Frank W. Smith mustered into the 124th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1844 Smith mustered in at the age of 20 with his given occupation listed as “clerk’: Smith was appointed Corporal, then 1st Sergeant May 1, 1864. His service records lists him as missing in action, later updated to wounded and captured May 27, 1864 at the battle of Pickettsmill, Paulding County Georgia. Smith’s records also show incarceration in the infamous Confederate prison at Andersonville, GA for approximately one year, and mustered out of service June 7, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. Stillman Witt, was a well known and respected Cleveland Ohio businessman and philanthropist. While the relationship between the two men is uncertain, it is clear that the Henry was a personal gift intended to give Smith an advantage in battle, should he need it. Undoubtedly, Smith’s Henry rifle was captured or commandeered in battle at Pickettsmill, its subsequent service history and chain of possession is also uncertain, though it was well maintained over the years. CONDITION: Very good plus. The barrel has traces of blue with the balance having been cleaned some time ago and is mostly a mottled gray patina but still displays traces of aged darkened plumb patina all in sheltered areas. There are some overall small handling marks and dings down the length. The barrel address and serial number are still sharp and clear. The receiver is an attractive mustard yellow color with some scattered handling marks and scuffs. The well executed inscription is sharp, clear and genuine. The side plates are original showing no signs of polishing and fit together snugly. The hammer and lever are now a mottled gray/dark patina. The stock is very fine with most of the original varnish, with pressure marks and scuffs overall. The buttplate’s brass patina matches the frame. Mechanically needs minor work. 53113-3 MS (45,000-65,000) – Lot 1424

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Auction: Firearms - Spring 2018

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1424	$0.00	HISTORIC CIVIL WAR INSCRIBED HENRY MODEL 1860 RIFLE TO ANDERSONVILLE PRISON SURVIVOR FRANK W. SMITH. SN 1431. Cal. .44RF Henry. 24-3/8″ bbl with small script “HENRY PATENT OCT 16 1860 / MANUFACT’D BY NEW HAVEN ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT.” Early style brass receiver with rear sight dovetail and buttplate with rounded heel. Sling swivel on left side of stock and rib area of mag tube and bbl. All screws correctly marked with matching SN. Buttplate numbered to the gun. Beautiful mellow mustard colored brass on left and also mustard colored brass on right with inscription that reads “FROM STILMAN WITT ESQ. / TO / FRANK.W.SMITH, / 124. O.V.I. FEBY. 8TH/64”, which was four days after Frank W. Smith mustered into the 124th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1844 Smith mustered in at the age of 20 with his given occupation listed as “clerk’: Smith was appointed Corporal, then 1st Sergeant May 1, 1864. His service records lists him as missing in action, later updated to wounded and captured May 27, 1864 at the battle of Pickettsmill, Paulding County Georgia. Smith’s records also show incarceration in the infamous Confederate prison at Andersonville, GA for approximately one year, and mustered out of service June 7, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. Stillman Witt, was a well known and respected Cleveland Ohio businessman and philanthropist. While the relationship between the two men is uncertain, it is clear that the Henry was a personal gift intended to give Smith an advantage in battle, should he need it. Undoubtedly, Smith’s Henry rifle was captured or commandeered in battle at Pickettsmill, its subsequent service history and chain of possession is also uncertain, though it was well maintained over the years. CONDITION: Very good plus. The barrel has traces of blue with the balance having been cleaned some time ago and is mostly a mottled gray patina but still displays traces of aged darkened plumb patina all in sheltered areas. There are some overall small handling marks and dings down the length. The barrel address and serial number are still sharp and clear. The receiver is an attractive mustard yellow color with some scattered handling marks and scuffs. The well executed inscription is sharp, clear and genuine. The side plates are original showing no signs of polishing and fit together snugly. The hammer and lever are now a mottled gray/dark patina. The stock is very fine with most of the original varnish, with pressure marks and scuffs overall. The buttplate’s brass patina matches the frame. Mechanically needs minor work. 53113-3 MS (45,000-65,000) – Lot 1424 Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - Spring 2018 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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HISTORIC CIVIL WAR INSCRIBED HENRY MODEL 1860 RIFLE TO ANDERSONVILLE PRISON SURVIVOR FRANK W. SMITH.