January 23rd 2016 Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2016
Barrel length 26", .54 caliber. Offered is a 1st model Smith-Jennings rifle, manufactured in 1851. This gun is numbered 214 of approximately 500 made. Features the front loading tubular cartridge magazine under barrel. with the automatic priming pill magazine on top for the rocket ball ammunition. It is flat sided with engraving on both sides of frame. The only factory markings on left read "Patent 1849 C.R. Dixon Agent New York". It has a ring lever with walnut butt stock, with rifle butt plate and silver escutcheon on left side. In addition to the engraving found on the side of the receiver, there is some light scroll engraving at barrel breech. Barrel and tube are a smooth mix of blue and brown with no pitting, but has had some finish wiped on. The receiver is a grey patina with a bit of light pitting forward of flash hole. The hammer is a blue brown patina with engraving. Walnut stocks are excellent with no cracks or chips of any kind, but have been freshened. Strong rifled bore. The Jennings rifle was a collaboration between Tyler Henry, Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson. As such, they are highly desirable to both Smith & Wesson and Winchester collectors, as this rifle represents the genesis of two of the most famous gun manufacturers to ever exist. This is a very clean example, and with a production of only 500 made, quite scarce.