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Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
Collector’s Fact
Only approximately 300 Jenks carbines were altered by Merrill for the U.S. Navy.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 180
U.S. Navy N.P. Ames-Wm.
Jenks “Mule Ear” Breech Loading Percussion Carbine Dated 1846
- Serial no. 1336, 54 cal., 24 1/4 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Ames manufactured 4,250 of these distinctive “mule ear” carbines between 1843-1846. “Wm JENKS” and
“USN/RC/P/1846” marked on the top of the barrel at the breech ahead of the oval loading aperture. Small inspection marks are on several components. The lock plate has the Ames three-line marking in the center and “Wm
Rare Variations of U.S. Navy Contract Jenks Breech Loading Carbines
LOT 178
Very Scarce One of Only 300 U.S. Navy Jenks-Merrill Breech Loading Percussion Carbine - NSN, 54 cal., 24 1/4 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Only
an estimated 300 Jenks carbines were altered by James H. Merrill to the Merrill system for the U.S. Navy in
the late 1850s to 1860 in order to test the practicality of the Merrill combustible paper cartridge as opposed to William Jenks’ system,
which required loading with loose powder and ball. It has a blade front sight on the upper barrel band, and combination folding leaf rear sight graduated up to 500 yards with its base acting as a catch for the front of the breech lever. The breech lever has the two-line marking “J.H. MERRILL BALTO/PAT. JULY, 1858.”, the lock is marked (very faint) “N.P. AMES/SPRINGFIELD/MASS.” behind the hammer, and the top of the barrel at the breech is marked (faint) “Wm JENKS/USN/RC/P/1846”. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% period refinished brown finish on the barrel with some light scratches. Case colored lock and breech lever showing patterns of muted case colors with some light surface pitting. Brass fittings polished bright. Stock is also fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with a few light scratches and a few minor dents underneath the buttstock. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
LOT 179
Excellent U.S. Navy Remington Contract Jenks “Mule Ear” Breech Loading Percussion Carbine with Maynard Patent Tape Primer Device - Serial no. 132, 54
cal., 24 1/4 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. E. Remington & Sons purchased machinery and a U.S. Navy contract for 1,000 Jenks carbines with Maynard
tape primers from Ames Manufacturing Company and manufactured these carbines circa
1847-48. The distinguishing features of the Jenks-Remington include the Maynard tape primer and the “REMINGTON’S/ HERKIMER/N.Y.” marking on the lock plate. Marked “1/32” on the underside of the breech lever, “204” underneath the
tape primer cover, “W JENKS” parallel to the bore on the barrel at the breech followed by “U.S.N./RP/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. Boxed script “RP” (Richard Paine) cartouche on the left of the stock opposite the lock. The Jenks is unique in that it is the only side hammer 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. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus original brown finish with some light scratches. Retains 85% attractive original case colors. The brass retains an original bright patina. The stock is also excellent with attractive original raised wood grain, defined edges, some light scratches and dents, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. An excellent example of a scarce Remington Navy Jenks carbine that would make a fine addition to any U.S. Martial collection!
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
JENKS” towards the rear. A sling ring is mounted on the lower tang. Oval script “RC” (Rufus Chandler) cartouche and boxed script “JL” (Joseph Lanman) cartouche on the left of the stock opposite the lock. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% plus original brown finish with some light nicks. Retains 80% attractive original case colors. The brass retains a bright patina. Stock is fine with a semi-circular crack visible on the left of the wrist, attractive original raised wood grain, defined edges, scattered scratches and dents, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
132 Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500