October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2018
Manufactured by Robbins and Lawrence in Windsor VT, and agent marked "PATENT 1849 /C.P. DIXON AGENT/NEW YORK". The Jennings was a collaboration of Tyler Henry Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson. This group later became the forefront of American small arms manufacturing being the parents of what later became Smith & Wesson and eventually Winchester Repeating Arms. The Jennings was originally made for the 54 Rocket-Ball self contained cartridge. With aspirations of a production of 5000 units eventually realized a total of less than 1000 units of all variations. This one is an example of one of the last production pieces and is the standard 54 Cal, with percussion ignition. Manufactured during a time of parts clean-up it was built using the parts from the Jennings breech-loader. 26 inch round barrel with small brass blade sight and drift adjustable post rear sight. Iron frame with loading gate on right side and engraved with broad scroll and vines on sides , top and hammer. Walnut stock with iron crescent butt plate and traditional trigger inside of a stylized trigger guard. Little is known about the actual production numbers of these percussion rifles. CONDITION. fine overall with good bore and functioning mechanics. The exterior is a very even plum brown finish with several areas of thinning exposing bright steel around the edges of the frame. The Varnished walnut stock is very solid and retains most of its period varnish. a very rare specimen and would be a needed addition to any early Winchester Collection.