IMPORTANT HISTORIC EARLY BRASS FRAME HENRY RIFLE INSCRIBED AS A GIFT FROM CAPTAIN JAMES WILLSON 12TH KENTUCKY CAVALRY TO HIS SURGEON MAJ. T.J. SWAN.

IMPORTANT HISTORIC EARLY BRASS FRAME HENRY RIFLE INSCRIBED AS A GIFT FROM CAPTAIN JAMES WILLSON 12TH KENTUCKY CAVALRY TO HIS SURGEON MAJ. T.J. SWAN. The rifle is the early brass frame type SN 1106 with a 24″ iron bbl with integral magazine below. Brass receiver and frame, iron rear sight, hammer, trigger, lever and locking nut. Walnut shoulder stock with brass buttplate. Right side of receiver is inscribed: “Presented by/Capt. Jas. Willson/Co. M 12th Ky.Cav.” within an engraved cloudburst-like decoration. Left side of the receiver is inscribed: “Maj. T.J. Swan/Surg. 12th Ky.Cav” along with four decorative engraved arcs. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl has turned a pleasing plum brown color. Rear sight has been moved from the rear of the receiver to the bbl, 1″ forward of the frame. Receiver retains most of its untouched patina, except for areas around both inscriptions that have been lightly cleaned. Shoulder stock shows heavy wear with its edges worn and numerous dents and scratches. Tool compartment is empty. Gun functions well, but the bore is dark and dirty. Captain Willson had a colorful career with the 12th Kentucky Cavalry and was well-known for his personal offensive against Confederate guerrillas in Kentucky. There is, apparently, a documented incident where he outshot and killed seven Confederate guerillas near his home. O.F. Winchester used this incident to his great advantage in his advertising campaign. In addition, Willson’s remarkable feat convinced Kentucky authorities to arm Willson’s entire company with Henry’s. Capt. Willson also had correspondence with the New Haven Arms Co. regarding problems with the Henry rifle’s firing pin and magazine. A Henry rifle SN 5952 is extant and is engraved and inscribed to Capt. James Willson (see photo and description on page 38 of The Winchester Book by George Madis.) The above described gun SN 1106 is believed to have been the very gun used in Willson’s defense against the sever guerillas. SN 1106 was built some time in either September or October of 1863, since that is when Winchester incorporated it into his advertising. We believe that Willson later had inscribed and presented this very same gun to his surgeon. Indeed, the patina, engraving and handling marks on the gun seem to indicate this. The Henry SN 5952 illustrated in The Winchester Book is very likely a rifle presented to him by Winchester in thanks for the special story that Winchester used to sell his rifles. We believe this for two reasons: SN 5952 was not built until June 1864, long after the incident and the reference on the inscription “Capt. James Willson” was a rank not attained until after the incident. A truly special Henry with a wonderful history. 4-47466 (35,000-55,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2002

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
	1555	$37,375.00	IMPORTANT HISTORIC EARLY BRASS FRAME HENRY RIFLE INSCRIBED AS A GIFT FROM CAPTAIN JAMES WILLSON 12TH KENTUCKY CAVALRY TO HIS SURGEON MAJ. T.J. SWAN. The rifle is the early brass frame type SN 1106 with a 24″ iron bbl with integral magazine below. Brass receiver and frame, iron rear sight, hammer, trigger, lever and locking nut. Walnut shoulder stock with brass buttplate. Right side of receiver is inscribed: “Presented by/Capt. Jas. Willson/Co. M 12th Ky.Cav.” within an engraved cloudburst-like decoration. Left side of the receiver is inscribed: “Maj. T.J. Swan/Surg. 12th Ky.Cav” along with four decorative engraved arcs. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl has turned a pleasing plum brown color. Rear sight has been moved from the rear of the receiver to the bbl, 1″ forward of the frame. Receiver retains most of its untouched patina, except for areas around both inscriptions that have been lightly cleaned. Shoulder stock shows heavy wear with its edges worn and numerous dents and scratches. Tool compartment is empty. Gun functions well, but the bore is dark and dirty. Captain Willson had a colorful career with the 12th Kentucky Cavalry and was well-known for his personal offensive against Confederate guerrillas in Kentucky. There is, apparently, a documented incident where he outshot and killed seven Confederate guerillas near his home. O.F. Winchester used this incident to his great advantage in his advertising campaign. In addition, Willson’s remarkable feat convinced Kentucky authorities to arm Willson’s entire company with Henry’s. Capt. Willson also had correspondence with the New Haven Arms Co. regarding problems with the Henry rifle’s firing pin and magazine. A Henry rifle SN 5952 is extant and is engraved and inscribed to Capt. James Willson (see photo and description on page 38 of The Winchester Book by George Madis.) The above described gun SN 1106 is believed to have been the very gun used in Willson’s defense against the sever guerillas. SN 1106 was built some time in either September or October of 1863, since that is when Winchester incorporated it into his advertising. We believe that Willson later had inscribed and presented this very same gun to his surgeon. Indeed, the patina, engraving and handling marks on the gun seem to indicate this. The Henry SN 5952 illustrated in The Winchester Book is very likely a rifle presented to him by Winchester in thanks for the special story that Winchester used to sell his rifles. We believe this for two reasons: SN 5952 was not built until June 1864, long after the incident and the reference on the inscription “Capt. James Willson” was a rank not attained until after the incident. A truly special Henry with a wonderful history. 4-47466 (35,000-55,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2002 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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