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Collector’s Fact
According to author George Moller, approximately only 100 Jenks Breech Loading Flintlock Musketoons were manufactured for the U.S. Ordnance department, and another 250 were ordered by the Republic of Texas.
LOT 1157
Incredibly Rare Documented U.S. Trials Jenks Breech Loading Flintlock Musketoon - Serial no. 32, 64 cal., 25 1/2 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This is an incredibly rare example of a Jenks breech loading musketoon, manufactured by Chicopee Falls Co. of Massachusetts c. 1839-1840. Invented by William Jenks, U.S. patent number 747 dated May 25th, 1838. Only a few
Important Historic Note
25 of the Jenks Breech Loading Musketoons were issued to the 2nd Dragoons for field trials in the second Seminole War, who were also involved in the Mexican- American War. Weapons from this time period have an extremely low survival rate, further adding to their scarcity and collectability.
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS VOL. II BY MOLLER
known surviving examples are left today of the reported 100 made on contract for the U.S. Ordnance Department, and another 250
ordered by the Republic of Texas. None of the Texas ordered examples have been identified. Of the 100 U.S. Ordnance musketoons,
25 were sent to the 1st Dragoons for shooting trials, and 25 to the 2nd Dragoons for field trials during the Second Seminole War in Florida where they were exposed to harsh conditions; contributing to their extreme scarcity today. Besides the Hall, the Jenks musketoon is the only other breech loading flintlock arm procured by the federal government. Jenks breech loading musketoons are described on pages 482-486 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II”, with this exact musketoon photographed on three pages. The top of the breech is marked “1839/WM JENKS/US/NWP/P” and the lock is marked “CHICOPEE FALLS CO./MS.” Serial number “32” is marked underneath the breech lever and on top of the breech rod. The left stock flat has a faint illegible circled script cartouche that should read “NWP” (Nahum W. Patch), and on top of the comb a faint illegible circled script cartouche that should read “MPL” (Mann Paige Lomax). “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock.
CONDITION: Very good with gray and brown patina surfaces, scattered light pitting, mild flash pitting, and sharp markings on the breech and lock plate. Stock is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with a discreet repaired section ahead of the lock, a crack at the left of the wrist, and some small chips behind the upper tang. Mechanically excellent, absent barrel band retaining pins. A unique opportunity to acquire one of the rarest U.S. martial issued firearms! Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000