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UNALTERED JENKS “MULE EAR” NAVY CARBINE

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A very fine carbine, this Jenks Navy-marked carbine made by the N. P. Ames Company of Springfield, Massachusetts is one of only 4,250 made between 1843 and 1846.  This rifled, .54 caliber shoulder arm, known as the ‘Mule Ear’, was loaded by pulling the distinct ‘mule-ear’ style sidehammer sideways to the right. The breech lever was then raised moving the breech bolt to the rear to accommodate a paper cartridge. Equipped with a 24¼” long barrel, integrated long thin “V” groove open rear sight on bolt lever and a brass blade front sight on upper barrel band.

Much of the original browned finish is missing, but the metal surfaces are mostly bright with very light pitting.  The top breech flat may have been cleaned and was once stamped with a roll mark that said  “WmJENKS / USN / RC (Rufus Chandler) / P (Proved) / 1845”. This carbine has brass mountings including the buttplate, triggerguard, and two barrel bands.

Lockplate tang was once stamped but the markings are faint and largely worn away. Left end of lock tang is very faintly marked “Wm JENKS”. Major components are stamped with faint, small sub-inspector marks. Carbine has no patchbox but features iron parts and some with traces of case colors remaining. Stock is very fine, untouched dark walnut, one-piece, straight grip stock and a buttplate that is flat.

No cartouche, no sling bar but does show a round sling ring secured to the rear of triggerguard.  All brass uncleaned and exhibits a mellow patina. Barrel bore is dull with six-groove rifling that remains sharp.

The Jenks carbine is one of the seldom encountered weapons of the pre-Civil War and wartime period.  This example would make a fine addition to any Civil War collection.  [cm][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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