Lot 432A Detail
Rare Jennings Breech-Loading Single-Shot Rifle, Serial Number 2, c.1850-51
Serial no. 2, .54 caliber, 25-inch round barrel with post-type front sight and small
pedestal rear sight, Steel ramrod tube. Steel frame with side hammer and loading gate on
right side. Pill primer orifice on top of frame. Ring trigger. Walnut buttstock with
German silver patchbox. Steel crescent buttplate. Wooden ramrod. Sling mounts.
Condition: Good. Metal showing grey patina with scattered light
pitting overall. Wood with light wear and minor marks. Mechanically sound.
Note: The single-shot Jennings rifles were factory conversions or made from Jennings
repeater parts. "Rocket Ball" cartridge loaded through right side of frame; ring
trigger operates breech and the automatic pill primer device. Magazine tube made smaller
in diameter and used as cleaning rod housing. The Rocket Ball cartridge having
insufficient power made the rifle impractical for hunting and military purposes. likely
leading to its lack of success and small quantity produced. As many of these were later
altered by local gunsmiths to muzzle-loading, they are quite scarce [Flayderman 5K-002].
To operate this unique rifle, the hammer is put on half-cock, the loading port on the
right side is opened, the ring trigger is moved forward and the loaded ball is placed by
hand on the carrier. The movement of the breech bolt automatically causes a priming pellet
to drop from the primer magazine atop the receiver into an opening which adjoins the rear
portion of the cartridge when the action is closed. The trigger is then pulled part of the
way rearward, which closes the breechbolt and presses the ball into the chamber. When the
breechbolt lock pivots upward, locking the breechbolt closed. When the trigger is pulled
as far as possible, the trigger engages an extension of the sear when the hammer is placed
at full cock, releasing the hammer. An extension on the hammer enters the breechbolt,
striking the priming pellet and firing the gun. [excerpts from the Winchester Book by
Madis]
Estimate: $15000 - $25000
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