July 24-25, 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/24/2015
This was the successor to the Hunt repeating rifle. This is a breach loading rifle manufactured 1850 to 1851. It is a single shot factory converted or made from, Jennings repeater parts. "Rocket Ball" cartridge loaded through right side of frame, ring trigger operated breach with automatic pill primer device. Has the small diameter magazine tube used for carrying the cleaning rod. Most were later altered to muzzle loading configuration so originals are extremely scarce. Collectors commonly called this the First Model, although that information is erroneous. This rifle is important to Winchester and Smith & Wesson collectors in the evolution of both the Winchester and Smith & Wesson Firearms companies in that it brought together the talents of B. Tyler Henry (Henry rifle fame), Horace Smith, and Daniel Wesson (of Smith & Wesson fame). It is basically the genesis of two of the greatest firearms corporations ever formed. As to the particulars of this rifle, it features a 26" heavy round barrel, blued metal finish, walnut buttstock, crescent steel buttplate, top exposed hammer and nipple ignition system, premier disc with light engraving on frame and breach of barrel. Left side of frame is stamped "OMROBBINS & LAWRENCE WINDSOR VT". Dealer marked on left side of frame as follows, "C.P. DIXON AGENT". All metal surfaces are basically a smooth brown clean patina. The ring trigger still retains traces of blue finish. Serial No. 395 stamped on lower tang. Walnut stock is free from any major cracks or chips. Left side of stock has a German nickel oval plaque that is not inscribed. Strong rifled bore. Bore measures approximately .60 caliber. Hammer has a firing pin that goes through the nipple and into the cartridge which is still intact. It is in working order, but one must be extremely careful in dry firing as the pin goes through the nipple and may strike off center thus breaking the original firing pin. It is believed that Jennings rifles, in all variations, were manufactured from 1848 through 1852, and number less than 1,000 manufactured and those in original unaltered condition are basically unheard of. This would be a cornerstone piece in any collection of Winchester and/or Smith & Wesson firearms.