April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
According to "American Gunsmiths" by Frank Sellers, there were two J. Jennings, one in Elmira, New York and one in Fredericksburg, Virginia (1866-1875). However, the form and inlays on this gun indicate it is probably from the North Carolina Salem School. Rifle features a heavy octagonal barrel with a silver front blade sight and buckhorn rear sight. The top is signed "J Jennings" in script surrounded by detailed borders. The flat percussion lockplate has scattered sprigs of engraving and is stamped "WARRANTED" in center. Flat hammer decorated en suite. Brass furniture includes a four piece pierced and engraved patchbox engraved with borders and scrolls on the lid. The release, located on the toeplate, is a rectangular button of ivory. The trigger guard is finely engraved with a flower on the bow and with borders. Set trigger. The shaped brass wearplate in front of trigger guard is engraved with a folky eagle head with olive branch in beak, integral with a patriotic shield. Stock is profusely inlaid with 23 pieces of sterling silver, only one is engraved. There is an engraved, shaped fish above the round relief cheek piece on left side of stock. There is also a brass comb wear plate in front of the buttplate tang. Halfstock of highly figured maple with a pewter forend cap. Brass ramrod ferrules. Complete with later brass tipped wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains mix of brown patina and finish. Signature is excellent. Rib on bottom separating towards forend cap. There is some minor corrosion around bolster. Lock retains an even grey-brown patina and functions well. Brass furniture retains a mellow patina. Comb wearplate has about 1" missing from tip and has one crack which has been glued. One small section of toeplate is missing at intersection with buttplate. Brass lid shows some bending near hinge. All inlays remain but one inlay on right side has a small piece missing. Stock shows some losses along barrel on both sides of forend, a small chip at toe, and some age cracks and marks from use. Patchbox lid does not lock shut. This is a very interesting and decorative rifle.