This rifle was manufactured c. January 1865 towards the end of the Civil War and is one of a very small number of Henry rifles fitted with a lug on the right side of the barrel shroud for mounting a bayonet. The Henry rifle was one of the most advanced firearms of the war and saw significant use during the latter years of the conflict, but the inability to mount a bayonet was one of the key factors preventing the Henry rifle from being adopted more widely for military service. This rifle has a shorter lug, and the barrel has a longer exposed round section for fitting a mounting ring. Some examples are known with a longer bayonet lug for use with the "Bahn Frei" bayonets. For an example, see pages 184-186 of "The Story of Benjamin Tyler Henry and His Famed Repeating Rifle" by Les Quick. The Henry was never made in quantity with adaptations for bayonets, but the Model 1866 that followed was available as a "musket" that could take a bayonet which allowed lever actions to enter more widespread military service.

Very good overall as refinished and modified with most of the blue remaining, mild pitting, aged patina on the brass, mild overall wear, gaps at the buttplate, and chips at the toe. The bolt face is absent; otherwise, the rifle mechanically functions. This is a very interesting example of the iconic Henry lever action rifle. Very few Henry rifles are known today with bayonet lugs!