GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
VERY RARE SMITH JENNINGS BREECH LOADING RIFLE CONVERTED TO PERCUSSION, FRESH FROM ALABAMA. JENNINGS 3 213 54 Cal. 54. Very rare rifle appearing in configuration of 2nd model with magazine tube beneath bbl, exposed ring trigger with no trigger guard, missing automatic priming device using pill lock, and converted to percussion and smooth bored to 58 Cal. These rifles were invented by Lewis Jennings of Windsor, Vermont and produced by Robbins & Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont in very limited quantities. They were originally produced as repeating rifles utilizing the Hunt "rocket ball" which was a hollow bullet with the powder inside covered with a pierced paper which allowed the powder to be ignited by the pill primer. They were grossly under-powered and unsuitable for either hunting or defense and therefore almost completely unsuccessful. When this became apparent Jennings stopped production of the repeater and either converted already produced repeaters into single shot breech loaders such as this one or manufactured them from existing parts. This conversion is not factory and was done by a local blacksmith or gunsmith for someone who wanted to continue use when rocket ball ammunition was no longer available. It is unknown how many were actually made but it can be surmised that it was only a very few, making this one of the most rare American production rifles ever made. Rifle has 25-5/8" heavy rnd bbl with tiny brass front sight and dovetail mounted rear sight. It has flat sided receiver with no discernible markings, only SN "213" on lower tang. Mounted with straight grain, American walnut stock with 2-3/4" oval German silver plaque and orig crescent buttplate. CONDITION: Fair to good. Metal is overall grey/brown, heavily cleaned and priming mechanism as noted, gun will still cock. Stock is sound and well fit with scattered small blemishes. Bore is clear and pitted. 50974-1 JS (6,000-8,000)