John P. Schenkl of Worcester and Boston, Massachusetts, held several patents in the mid-19th century, including a patent for saboted artillery shells used by the Union in the Civil War and a carbine tested by the government in 1857. A newspaper article about his rifle design identifies him as a "German artisan" and describes the rifle as a combination of the Minie rifle and Dresye needle gun. It can be fired either with primed ammunition like a Dresye or with a paper cartridge and percussion cap. Only a limited number of these carbines are estimated to have been manufactured. It has a blade front sight, adjustable notch rear sight, "J.P. SCHENKL'S. PATENT. JUNE 23. 1857./BOSTON." on top of the breech section and the upper tang, and a smooth buttstock with brass buttplate. The trigger guard acts a rotary lever that cocks the hammer and releases the barrel, so it can be slide forward and tip-up for loading and extraction.

Very good with smooth gray and brown patina throughout, some light oxidation/pitting, and mild overall wear. The brass has mellow aged patina. The stock is also very good and has numerous light scrapes and dings. It mechanically needs work; the action does not fully cock, and the needle/firing pin is preventing the action from opening. This is a very interesting piece and the first of its type we have cataloged.