May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
Among the earliest of American repeating arms designs, Isiah Jennings patented a multi-shot flintlock in 1821, a refinement of the earlier Revolutionary War Era Belton design. Using the superposed loads, the lock is moved rearward with each shot, firing them sequentially one by one. Partnered with Reuben Ellis, Jennings' design was produced in limited numbers for martial trials by Robert and J. D. Johnson of Connecticut. Although not put into full military service, it marks an important step in the eventual adoption of repeating arms by the US military. This highly unusual and extremely attractive use of the Jennings patent is adapted into a distinctly American Kentucky pistol, likely the only repeating Kentucky pistol of this type. The lock is signed "J.M. CASWELL / LANSINGBURGH" for John Caswell of New York. Caswell's shop is regarded as perhaps the most important in Upstate New York during the 1820s and 30s, known for their half stock Kentucky rifles. Gluckman notes, among other interesting arms produced by Caswell, a "4-shot Ellis-type repeating flintlock pistol", likely referring to this 5-shot pistol or another of the same design (See American Arms Makers p. 32). The lock is attractively embellished with decorative engraving on the plate and cock, and is also fitted with an autoprimer which dispenses a charge of powder into the pan each time it is cocked. Each of the 5 touch holes are fitted with a swinging covers, protecting them from premature discharge and acting as stops for the lock as it is advanced rearward. Lock and action are finished in blue, as is the octagon barrel. Like other Jennings patent firearms, this example is .44 caliber with a smooth bore. The octagon barrel is fitted with a small drift adjustable blade front sight, the raised tang screw appearing to act as the rear sight channel. Pistol is stocked in tiger maple with a saw handle grip, steel grip cap, and lightly engraved steel trigger guard which also forms the rear ram rod ferrule. The hickory rod appears to be original and is fitted with a threaded brass head and decorative bone tip. PROVENANCE: This exemplary piece of American ingenuity and craftsmanship was previously owned by renowned dealer and collector Eric Vaule until its sale in 1996 to another unnamed collector. CONDITION: Pistol remains in a fine state of preservation. The lock and action retain strong traces of thinning original blue, especially in protected areas, the balance drifting to a pleasant, honest gray patina. Barrel likewise displays original blue along the wood line with an overall attractive mild browned patina. Stock is also fine with some scattered nicks and impressions expected on a piece of this vintage. Bore is largely clean with only light abrasion. Action remarkably appears to function correctly, a testament to its design. An outstanding and very possibly unique specimen. This extraordinary offering would make a fine addition to a distinguished arms collection or museum.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Smoothbore
Model
Jennings Patent Pistol