J. Henry & Son US Surcharged Indian Trade Rifle

J. Henry & Son US Surcharged “Indian Trade” Rifle. This walnut halfstock rifle with a “U.S.” surcharge stamped behind the trigger guard was made in the Civil War years or earlier.  The barrel is 34 inches in .36 caliber (calibers ranging from 36 to 50), barrel marked J. Henry & Son in two lines. The lockplate is marked as the barrel. Double set triggers.  Brass furniture throughout. The stock has a nicely carved cheek piece.  Condition overall is fine. Some minor dings, wear to wood and metal overall.

Reference from the Museum of the Fur Trade suggest this rifle could have connection with the Government’s annuity system, or perhaps for “pro-Union” Indian troops (possibly for the Five Civilized tribes -Cherokee’s, Seminoles, etc.).  In the reference, Charles Hanson stated, he observed six of these during a trip to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1969, and believed them to be issued to tribes in the Indian Territory; who were more used to hunting than training with muskets and bayonets. Further credence was provided by Judge James Steele, in a statement involving the organization of 2000 Indian recruits at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1862.     (Vol 1, Firearms of the Fur Trade, pages 408-410. Illustrated pg. 421).

A gorgeous example.