The Henry was first patented in 1860 by B. Tyler Henry. Before production of the arms could begin, manufacturing facilities had to be built, so it was not until 1862 that these rifles were offered commercially. When the patent expired in 1868, factory staff overlooked its renewal and a special act of Congress enabled the company to extend the patent. Early Henry rifles, highly valued then as now, sold for $37.50 to $42.50 for the plain rifle. Interestingly, for a short time in 1863, no walnut was available in New Haven, Connecticut, so rosewood was used for stocks. (PGW, however, offers the finest Midwestern Black Walnut, as typically used in Winchester's New Haven factory.)
Two styles of buttstocks were fitted to Henrys depending on when they were manufactured (see specifics below). Henry rifles were not furnished with forearms, making them unique to Winchester's rifle line - and hot on the hand when shooting!
Serial numbers began with 1 and extended into the 12,000 series, when the 1866 was introduced. The Henry was numbered intermittently with the 1866, with the 1866 predominating, so serial numbers of the Henry likely extend into the 14,000 range. If you own one of these rare and valuable beauties, we congratulate you! Your investment in a PGW stock, small in comparison to the value of the rifle, will do justice to your investment, while maintaining the highly desirable historical accuracy and original Winchester quality sought by collectors and investors.
Please note: PGW stocks are manufactured to fit original manufacture Henry rifles only. The Uberti "Yellow Boy" will not accept a PGW stock.
