The Smith-Jennings was an improvement on the Jennings design patented by Horace Smith of Smith & Wesson fame in 185 and was manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence who were also manufacturing other innovative firearms in the period, including the Sharps rifles. The Jennings and the Smith-Jennings rifles are important in the evolution of Winchester lever actions. Their design and production brought together the talents of Benjamin Tyler Henry, Horace Smith, Daniel B. Wesson, and others and were part of a series of design improvements that led to the Smith & Wesson and Volcanic lever action pistols and carbines and then the Henry and Winchester Model 1866 through a series of incremental improvements. This rifle is the second variation or "Second Model" of the Smith-Jennings, also known as the "pregnant frame Jennings" in reference to the bulge at the bottom of the frame. Only an estimated 400 are believed to have been manufactured c. 1851-1852. It has a small blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight just ahead of the breech ring, a tubular magazine below the barrel, light scroll engraving, the "PATENT 1849/C.P. DIXON AGENT/NEW YORK" marking on the left, a ring trigger, and a walnut buttstock with an iron buttplate with stepped heel and an oval nickel-silver inlay with coordinating engraving on the right.

Fair with mostly dark brown patina overall, mild pitting, some heavier pitting on the hammer, and general moderate overall wear. The ring trigger is a professionally made replacement. The markings and engraving are mostly distinct. The stock is very good and has some minor edge wear, light scratches and dings, and smooth finish. The primer mechanism isn't functioning, but the rest of the action appears to be mechanically function. This is a rare and early American repeating rifle design that is historically significant in the development of both Smith & Wesson and Winchester and would be an excellent representative example in any American firearms collection.