J. Henry & Son (Boulton, PA) Percussion Plains Rifle

Eastern suppliers made up a variety of arms, like this small game rifle for emigrants heading west.

Circa 1860 Henry (U.S.) Fur Trade Percussion Plains Rifle (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition)  In terms of manufacture date, the display gun was not made before 1860.  Yet, it looks like a half-stock rifle of the 1850s. This anachronistic small caliber rifle was produced in Philadelphia by J. Henry and Son for fur trading or treaty payment to Native Americans.  Because of its small caliber, it lacks the killing power of the half-stocks which it imitates.

Obviously, in 1860, Natives were not given powerful arms.  They were, however, being provided with arms that were sufficient for small game hunting and for short-range self-protection.  During the Civil War, Native American raids on frontier settlements increased in scope, requiring diversion of military forces and/or self-protection by settlers.    - Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #69