Unlike Winchester, Sharps, and other rifle makers, Whitney actually discouraged special orders which makes special order Whitney-Kennedy rifles particularly scarce. Only 239 Kennedys in .44 caliber with set triggers and only 160 in .44 with 28 inch barrels are noted on page 221 of "Lever Action Magazine Rifles Derived from the Patents of Andrew Burgess" by Maxwell. This model was only manufactured c. 1879-1886. This rifle has a beaded blade front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, double set triggers, smooth stock and forearm, and crescent buttplate with brass door (compartment empty). The barrel is marked "WHITNEYVILLE ARMORY, CT. U.S.A." and "44 CAL." on top. The upper tang has "PAT'D JANY. 7-73/AP.-1(2) MAY 13 & AUG.12-79." The lower tang and lever have the serial number which is estimated to date to early August to late September of 1883.

Very good with 85% plus refinished blue remaining, absent front sight bead, some spots of wear under the finish, mostly smooth brown patina on the faded areas, and minor dings and scratches. The refinished wood is good and has mild scrapes and dings, a repaired chip on the upper left corner of the wrist, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically fine.