RARE 1ST VARIATION, JENKS MULE-EAR CARBINE.

RARE 1ST VARIATION, JENKS MULE-EAR CARBINE. Cal. 54, Smoothbore, 25-1/2″ bbl including breech, 24-1/4″ is active length at point where ball is pushed. This rarely seen first variant with “round” slot for ball for round ball (instead of oval slot) and no provision for sling ring behind trigger guard. Gun is mounted with two brass bbl bands, brass trigger guard and buttplate with half moon front sight on front band. The loading lever is slotted as rear sight. Breech area of bbl marked, “W. Jenks/USN/RP/P 1844”. Lock-plate is marked, “W.M. Jenks” and “NP Ames/Springfield/Mass”. There are two crisp cartouches on left side of stock above trigger guard “RP” and “JL”. Stock is uncheckered straight grain walnut with oiled finish. Made without sling ring. This gun gets its “mule ear” nickname from the unusual sidehammer lock. About 4,000 of these guns were made between 1844 and 1846. This is the only “mule ear” percussion arm officially accepted by US armed forces and this gun had particular advantage of Jenks design having few moving parts. Jenks breech loading arm only has three major parts. Most metal parts have small sub-inspector initials stamped. Number 37 on underside of loading lever. The bbl retains almost all of its original brown finish and appears unfired with only minor storage damage. This is a rarely offered smoothbore variant in fine condition. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Bbl retains 90% of its original brown finish with numerous small scratches, scrapes and stains. Bbl markings are crisp and well defined. The bore is mostly shiny with areas of staining and pitting. Breech, lock and mechanism components are gray/silver overall with traces of muted case color visible in protected areas, especially inside breech. These components have scattered staining, scratching and pitting. Brass is mostly smooth with mustard colored patina with small scratches and scuffs. Stock is sound and solid with numerous small dings, dents and scratches with bright, crisp cartouches. Mechanically gun functions well. The round hole, smooth bore variation without sling ring is worth a premium. 4-46518 JS123 (3,500-5,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012

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
	2133	$4,600.00	RARE 1ST VARIATION, JENKS MULE-EAR CARBINE. Cal. 54, Smoothbore, 25-1/2″ bbl including breech, 24-1/4″ is active length at point where ball is pushed. This rarely seen first variant with “round” slot for ball for round ball (instead of oval slot) and no provision for sling ring behind trigger guard. Gun is mounted with two brass bbl bands, brass trigger guard and buttplate with half moon front sight on front band. The loading lever is slotted as rear sight. Breech area of bbl marked, “W. Jenks/USN/RP/P 1844”. Lock-plate is marked, “W.M. Jenks” and “NP Ames/Springfield/Mass”. There are two crisp cartouches on left side of stock above trigger guard “RP” and “JL”. Stock is uncheckered straight grain walnut with oiled finish. Made without sling ring. This gun gets its “mule ear” nickname from the unusual sidehammer lock. About 4,000 of these guns were made between 1844 and 1846. This is the only “mule ear” percussion arm officially accepted by US armed forces and this gun had particular advantage of Jenks design having few moving parts. Jenks breech loading arm only has three major parts. Most metal parts have small sub-inspector initials stamped. Number 37 on underside of loading lever. The bbl retains almost all of its original brown finish and appears unfired with only minor storage damage. This is a rarely offered smoothbore variant in fine condition. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Bbl retains 90% of its original brown finish with numerous small scratches, scrapes and stains. Bbl markings are crisp and well defined. The bore is mostly shiny with areas of staining and pitting. Breech, lock and mechanism components are gray/silver overall with traces of muted case color visible in protected areas, especially inside breech. These components have scattered staining, scratching and pitting. Brass is mostly smooth with mustard colored patina with small scratches and scuffs. Stock is sound and solid with numerous small dings, dents and scratches with bright, crisp cartouches. Mechanically gun functions well. The round hole, smooth bore variation without sling ring is worth a premium. 4-46518 JS123 (3,500-5,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012 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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