VERY RARE JENNINGS BREECH LOADING RIFLE FRESH FROM MAINE ESTATE.

SN NSN. Very rare rifle appearing in configuration of 2nd model with magazine tube beneath bbl, exposed ring trigger with no trigger guard & automatic priming device using pill lock, one of only a few made in the period 1850-1851. 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 underpowered 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. 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. With the lack of success for the orig repeating rifle, Jennings apparently decided to produce rifles in single shot. This was accomplished by reducing the size of the magazine tube, shortening it slightly and utilizing it for stowage of a brass tipped hickory cleaning rod. Rifle has 27″ heavy rnd bbl with tiny brass front sight and dovetail mounted, elevation adjustable, rear sight. It has flat sided receiver, engraved on both sides and across top with light foliate arabesque patterns. Left side is marked “NEW YORK / C.P. DIXON AGENT / NEW YORK”. Top of frame just forward of hammer has a raised area which contains the pill priming reservoir with hinged cover which still retains finish internally. Right forward side of frame has a small hinged door which, when opened, allows access to the chamber area for loading; which is frozen & was not opened. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain, American walnut with missing 2-3/4″ oval plaque and a crescent buttplate with engraved tang & toeplate. CONDITION: Fair to good “as found”. Metal is dark & uncleaned with traces of finish under layers of dirt & blackened rust. Stock is sound & well fit with some raised grain & hand worn patina. Other then agent marks found on left side of frame only markings are a small “8” found stamped on the right side of ring trigger & an “18” stamped on rear sight base. Gun is not functional & hammer is locked in full cock position. Bore exhibits a bright shiny crisp bore with some pitting near muzzle. 49969-3 JS (6,000-8,000) – Lot 2000

Auction: Firearms - March 2016

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2000	$10,925.00	VERY RARE JENNINGS BREECH LOADING RIFLE FRESH FROM MAINE ESTATE. SN NSN. Very rare rifle appearing in configuration of 2nd model with magazine tube beneath bbl, exposed ring trigger with no trigger guard & automatic priming device using pill lock, one of only a few made in the period 1850-1851. 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 underpowered 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. 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. With the lack of success for the orig repeating rifle, Jennings apparently decided to produce rifles in single shot. This was accomplished by reducing the size of the magazine tube, shortening it slightly and utilizing it for stowage of a brass tipped hickory cleaning rod. Rifle has 27″ heavy rnd bbl with tiny brass front sight and dovetail mounted, elevation adjustable, rear sight. It has flat sided receiver, engraved on both sides and across top with light foliate arabesque patterns. Left side is marked “NEW YORK / C.P. DIXON AGENT / NEW YORK”. Top of frame just forward of hammer has a raised area which contains the pill priming reservoir with hinged cover which still retains finish internally. Right forward side of frame has a small hinged door which, when opened, allows access to the chamber area for loading; which is frozen & was not opened. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain, American walnut with missing 2-3/4″ oval plaque and a crescent buttplate with engraved tang & toeplate. CONDITION: Fair to good “as found”. Metal is dark & uncleaned with traces of finish under layers of dirt & blackened rust. Stock is sound & well fit with some raised grain & hand worn patina. Other then agent marks found on left side of frame only markings are a small “8” found stamped on the right side of ring trigger & an “18” stamped on rear sight base. Gun is not functional & hammer is locked in full cock position. Bore exhibits a bright shiny crisp bore with some pitting near muzzle. 49969-3 JS (6,000-8,000) – Lot 2000 Auction: Firearms - March 2016 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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VERY RARE JENNINGS BREECH LOADING RIFLE FRESH FROM MAINE ESTATE.