A very fine carbine, this Jenks Navy-marked carbine made by the N. P. Ames Company of Springfield, Massachusetts is one of only 4,250 made between 1843 and 1846.  This rifled, .54 caliber shoulder arm,  known as the ‘Mule Ear’, was loaded by pulling the distinct ‘mule-ear’ style sidehammer sideways to the right. The breech lever was then raised moving the breech bolt to the rear to accommodate a paper cartridge. Equipped with a 24¼” long barrel, integrated long thin “V” groove open rear sight on bolt lever and a brass blade front sight on upper barrel band. Barrel retains over 95% of its original factory lacquered browning. It is also cleanly and sharply stamped in five lines at the top breech flat with “WmJENKS / USN / RC (Rufus Chandler) / P (Proved) / 1845’. Carbine has brass mountings including the buttplate, triggerguard, and two barrel band.

Lockplate tang stamped with “N. P. AMES / SPRINGFIELD / MASS.”. Left end of lock tang marked “Wm JENKS”. Major components are stamped with small sub-inspector marks. Carbine has no patchbox, all aged-blued iron parts and some with traces of case colors remaining. Stock is very fine, untouched dark walnut, one-piece, straight grip stock and a buttplate that is flat.  No cartouche, no sling bar but does show a round sling ring secured to the rear of triggerguard.  All brass uncleaned and exhibits a mellow patina. Barrel bore excellent with six-groove rifling that would clean to bright.

This Jenks ‘Mule Ear’ carbine is in remarkable condition and certain to highlight any military display or collection.

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