William Jenks received a contract from the U.S. Navy on September 22, 1845, for 1,000 carbines with the Maynard tape primers. Four other contracts were manufactured for the Navy through Ames Manufacturing Company from 1841 to 1846. The machinery and remaining contract were purchased by Remington when they acquired Ames Manufacturing. Importantly, Ames employee Fordyce Beals, later the designer of the influential Remington percussion revolvers, also transitioned to working with E. Remington & Sons. The distinguishing features of the Jenks-Remington include the Maynard tape primer and the "REMINGTON'S/HERKIMER/N.Y." marking on the rear of the lock plate. Additional markings include the "4/3" marked on the underside of the lever, "W JENKS" parallel to the bore on the barrel at the breech followed by "U.S.N./R.P./P./1847/CAST-STEEL" perpendicular to the bore ahead of the oval loading port, and some small "P" marks on a few of the components. The oval loading opening found on many of these carbines was an alteration of the earlier round opening and was designed to facilitate the use of paper cartridge rather than loose balls and powder. The bore was also rifled at this time. The stock has a crisp "RP" cartouche on the left. The Jenk's is unique in that it is the only side hammer/mule ear weapon officially used by the U.S. military. Other features include the integral blade front sight on the foremost of the two brass barrel bands, the integral notch sight on the top of the lever, brass trigger guard with saddle ring, and the brass buttplate.

Very fine. 90% plus of the original brown finish remains aside from some minor fading at the muzzle. The casehardened components also retain strong case colors, and the brass has an attractive aged patina. The stock is also very fine and has some slight scratches and pressure marks. These Remington-Jenks carbines are very attractive arms and employed simple, but reliable, mechanics. The Jenks carbines and rifles are the only mule-ear firearms ever officially used by the U.S. military.