Guns International #: 101701323
Seller's Inventory #: CBP20-274

Category - Civil War Carbines - Antique Rifles - Percussion

Category
Civil War Carbines
Antique Rifles - Percussion

U.S. Navy Contract Jenks "Mule Ear" Breech-Loading Carbine in .54 Caliber ** Spectacular 100% Original Example! ** SOLD

Description:
This is a spectacular all-original Jenks "Mule Ear" Carbine manufactured by N.P. Ames in Springfield Massachusetts for the US Navy contract in 1845. A total quantity of only 4,250 of these unique breech-loaders were made between 1843-1846, with only a small number of all-original examples surviving today.  This single-shot breech-loading percussion Carbine features a unique loading design that uses a top-mounted lever which opens the "bolt" for the insertion of a paper cartridge/bullet and a side-mounted percussion nipple and hammer.  To load the Jenks the top lever was lifted up into the open position, the paper cartridge was inserted into the oval loading port on top of the receiver, and the lever was then depressed down which rammed the paper cartridge into the barrel's chamber.  The side-mounted nipple was then capped and the hammer was drawn from half-cock to full-cock and the Jenks was ready to fire.  The Jenks Carbine was a very advanced design for it's time and holds the position of being the only "mule ear" type firearm officially accepted by the U.S. Military.  Almost all of the U.S. Military Jenks Carbines went to the U.S. Navy with only a very small number going to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service.  The Navy guns can be identified by the "U.S.N." markings on the top barrel flat while the Revenue Cutter Service guns are stamped with "U.S.R." This Jenks Carbine is in excellent condition inside and out, and is 100% original.  The original factory case colors on the loading lever and sideplate are in great shape rating 95%, with both parts showing a lot of bright color. The factory browning on the barrel is in superb condition and the bore is bright with no visible pitting or frosting of any kind. The rifling looks like-new with sharp lands and grooves throughout the barrel.  All of the factory stampings and inspection marks are crisp and clear, including the "USN" inspection marks on top of the barrel.  The top-lever action on this Jenks is smooth and precise, and is in perfect working order.  The hammer still has both positions intact, half-cock and full-cock. The original stock on this Jenks Carbine is in excellent condition overall, showing only some very minor handling and storage marks and free from any cracks, repairs, or major damage. All of the original brass stock hardware is intact and in excellent condition. The two original U.S. inspection cartouches are crisp and clear on the left side of the stock above the trigger area.  These consist of an "RC" inside an oval and a "JL" inside an rectangle with rounded corners. This is honestly the best example of the Jenks "Mule Ear" Carbine we have ever had.  It is a true museum-quality piece that for all intents and purposes would be impossible to upgrade from!

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: N.P. Ames Springfield, Mass.
Model: "Mule Ear" Carbine
Serial Number: 732
Barrel Length: 24-1/4 Inches
Condition: Excellent
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Bright with Sharp Rifling
Action: Breech-loading Percussion
Finish: Browned / Case Colored
Manufacture Date: 1845