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Rare Engraved Jennings Breech Loading Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,400.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Rare Engraved Jennings Breech Loading Rifle
Manufactured 1850-51, the Jennings rifles were the successor to the Hunt Repeating Rifle made by Robbins & Lawrence, Windsor, Vermont . It is believed that less then 1,000 of all variations were made, despite an original order for 5,000. This particular variation is a breech loading, single shot, factory converted or made from Jennings Repeating rifle parts. The rifle utilizes a "Rocket Ball" cartridge which is loading through the right side of the frame. A ring trigger operates the breech and automatic pill primer device. The magazine tube was made smaller in diameter and used for carrying the cleaning rod. The Rocket Balls insufficient power made it impractical for hunting or military use which lead to its lack of success and the small number produced. The receiver, hammer, trigger guard and breech end of the barrel have light floral scroll engraving. The left side of the receiver is marked "ROBBINS & LAWRENCE / MAKERS / WINDSOR VT" and "C.P. DIXON AGENT / NEW YORK / PATENTED 1849", the serial number is marked on the lower tang. Brass blade front and fixed notch rear sights, wooden cleaning rod with brass tip and mounted with a smooth straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate and silver oval on the left side engraved with a simple scroll design.
BBL: 26 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54 percussion
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: 263
Condition: Very good. The barrel and cleaning rod tube have a brown patina with overall minor pitting. The remaining metal surfaces have a silver gray patina with some scattered minor pitting. The lightly sanded period refinished stock is good with some minor dents and dings. The markings and engraving are clear. Mechanically fine. These are seldom encountered and are missing in most collections!