This Jennings muzzle-loading rifle was manufactured in 1852 by Robbins and Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont. The Jennings muzzleloading rifles were manufactured using modified components from the unsuccessful Jennings breechloading rifles. The rifle has a 26 inch round barrel with 22 inch steel ramrod tube that contains a hickory ramrod with brass tip. The modified breechloading receiver is fitted with a percussion nipple and flat-sided, gooseneck percussion hammer. The breechloading ring trigger has been altered to a spur trigger and the trigger guard re-formed to an indented bow. The barrel is fitted with a small nickel-silver front sight blade and small v-shaped rear sight on a dovetail mounted base. The rifle has a straight grain walnut stock with crescent iron buttplate and an oval, decorative German silver inlay on the right side. An engraved oval on the left side of the receiver is stamped: "PATENT 1849/C.P. DIXON AGENT/NEW YORK" in three lines. The serial number is stamped on the barrel breech, trigger guard and lower tang. The top and sides of the receiver, the hammer, bottom of the trigger guard, buttplate heel and oval silver inlay are decorated with simple floral style factory engraving. The barrel is browned, and the receiver, trigger guard and lever are color casehardened. The stock is oil finished. The Jennings muzzleloading rifle and predecessor Jennings breechloading rifles are important in the evolution of the Winchester lever action rifles. Benjamin Tyler Henry was the foreman of the Robbins & Lawrence Arms Company. The breechloading rifles utilized the Hunt "Rocket Ball" cartridge which evolved into the Volcanic "Rocket Ball". Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection; The Collection of David L. DeLullo