Guns International #: 102984615
Seller's Inventory #: 247358

Category - Antique Rifles - 1500-1850 - Antique Rifles - Percussion

Category
Antique Rifles - 1500-1850
Antique Rifles - Percussion

Scarce U.S. NAVY Antique N.P. AMES MULE EAR Breech Loading Percussion Rifle 1 of 4,250 Made Between 1843 and 1846

Description:
Scarce U.S. NAVY Antique N.P. AMES MULE EAR Breech Loading Percussion Rifle

1 of 4,250 Made Between 1843 and 1846

Here we present an antique U.S. Navy N.P. Ames-Jenks Breech Loading Rifle, made circa 1843-46 by N.P. Ames in Springfield, Massachusetts. On August 31, 1841, the Navy Department ordered 1,000 of the 36” barreled “long carbines”, and in early September of 1841 they ordered 500 of the 24” barreled carbines. Eventually the Navy Department ordered a total of 4,250 of the shorter guns between 1843 and 1846 for the U.S. Navy, but never ordered any additional 36” barreled Jenks carbines
The primary users were the U.S. Navy, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, and even the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, though the latter are extremely rare. Some were even given to companies D and E of the 1st Regiment of Dragoons for testing. These were used during the Mexican-American War and were still in use during the American Civil War. What made the Jenks design unique was its convenient breech-loading capability. Pinch the ears of the rear sight and lift up to expose an oval aperture for loading a paper cartridge.

It has a square lug on the bottom of the muzzle for attaching an angular type bayonet, a blade front molded sight on the front barrel band, and a rear sight groove on the breech lever. "WM JENKS" and "USN/RC/P/1845" are marked on the top of the barrel at the breech ahead of the oval loading aperture, with the lock plate is marked "WM. JENKS" and "N.P. AMES/SPRINGFIELD/MASS." The initials “RC” are for Sub-Ordnance Inspector Rufus Chandler. Small inspection marks are on several components. The lock plate has the Ames three-line marking in the center and "WM JENKS" towards the rear. A sling ring is mounted on the lower tang. The stock has two cartouches on the left flat.

The overall condition is good+. Weathered gray patina. The action is excellent. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. The stock shows use and remains solid. There are two faint cartouches on the left stock flat and clear markings over the breech end of the barrel.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 24-1/4 inches.

Caliber: .54 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$2800

#247358
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes