This Jennings muzzle-loading rifle was manufactured in 1852 by Robbins and Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont. The Jennings muzzle-loading rifles were manufactured using modified components from the unsuccessful Jennings breech-loading 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 breech-loading receiver is fitted with a percussion nipple and flat-sided, goose-neck percussion hammer. The breech-loading 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 a 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 muzzle-loading rifle and predecessor Jennings breech-loading 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 breech-loading rifles utilized the Hunt "Rocket Ball" cartridge which evolved into the Volcanic "Rocket Ball".

Very good. The barrel retains traces of the faded brown finish with smooth surfaces. The case colors on the receiver have faded to a mottled silver-gray. The hammer has a deep brown patina. The hammer, percussion nipple and adjacent portions have no flash pitting; the rifle appears to be un-fired. The simple factory engraving and the stamped markings on the left side of the receiver are crisp. The buttplate has a dark brown patina with light pitting. The stock has been re-finished and repaired on both sides of wrist with dowel pins visible and is in good overall condition otherwise with scattered light handling marks. This is a very good example of a rare and historically significant Jennings muzzle-loading rifle that would be a key addition to any advanced collection of Volcanic, Henry, or Winchester rifles. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.