This is an extremely rare example of one of the trial carbines manufactured and tested in the late 1860s or early 1870s. This particular carbine was manufactured by B. H. Jenks and is marked "B.H. JENKS./PHILADELPHIA/PA." on the left side of the receiver and the left rear of the barrel is marked with the "V/P/eagle head" military proofmarks. The carbine incorporates a rolling block action with a long checkered lever which when pulled back also cocks the hammer which has a flat checkered lever allowing it to be cocked separately if needed. Opening the breech block also engages the extractor. The barrel is equipped with a pinched blade front sight and two leaf carbine rear sight marked "C" on the left side of the base. The left side of the hammer plate and base of the extractor is marked with the serial number "10". The carbine is mounted with a one piece smooth walnut straight grip stock with a single barrel band, saddle ring and bar on the left wrist and carbine buttplate.

Very fine. The untouched original in the white metal surfaces have a mix of smooth mottled brown and silver gray patina with some light oxidation. The stock is also very fine with some chips in the varnish and overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The markings are crisp and clear. The mechanics are excellent. This is an extremely rare and significant martially inspected Jenks trails carbine missing from even the most complete U.S. martial collections.