Original Item: Only One Available. From the Civil War era this is one of the hardest Carbines to find, and this is indeed only the third example we have ever had of a W.J. Jenks "Mule-Ear" Carbine, and the FIRST we have had with the Maynard tape primer system. First developed in the early 1840s, the U.S. Navy ordered these in various different configurations, both rifled and smoothbore. Access to the breech is accomplished by lifting bolt lever, and a paper cartridge would be inserted and rammed forward when the breech is closed. The carbine is then discharged with the use of a SIDE HAMMER percussion system, the so-called "Mule-Ear".

Adopted by the U.S. Navy, 4,250 of the standard Jenks breechloading percussion carbines were produced for the US Navy by the NP Ames Company of Springfield, MA between 1843 and 1846. In 1847 an additional 1,000 “improved” Jenks carbines were ordered from E. Remington & Sons of Herkimer, NY, which included the automatic Maynard Tape Priming system. These additional carbines were delivered in 1847 and 1848, and as with the earlier carbines, they were all originally manufactured as .54 smoothbore guns, with a round loading aperture in the breech. Both versions of the carbine had 24.5” barrels, walnut stocks and brass furniture. With the coming of the Civil War, nearly all of the carbines were subsequently altered. The round loading aperture which was designed for loose powder and a round ball was enlarged to an oval opening which allowed the loading of paper cartridges. The majority of the carbines were also rifled during the alteration process.

Here we have a very nice patinated example of one of the 1,000 made by Remington with the Maynard tape primer, as indicated on the lock, though the top line is a bit faint:-

The top of the barrel is marked W. JENKS lengthwise over the Naval inspection proofs:-

U.S.N.
R P
1847
CAST STEEL

This is the mark of civilian arms inspector Richard Paine, who inspected Naval small arms from 1839 to 1848. It is also marked with 7 / 11 on the underside of the loading lever. As with almost all surviving examples of Jenks carbines, it was converted to use paper cartridges, with the loading hole enlarged, and it was also rifled. The breech loading mechanism is still functional, properly opening and allowing the chamber to be accessed. The lock functions, holding at half cock and firing at full, and the feed mechanism at the front of the Maynard system still moves, though we have no idea if it is still able to actually feed primer tape. We checked the bore, and it is heavily fouled and oxidized, with just a trace of the six groove rifling present. It looks like it was used but not cleaned after the last use, allowing it to slowly oxidize over the years.

The fittings are all of brass: trigger guard, two barrel bands and butt plate. There is also a suspension ring loop on the rear of the trigger guard for attachment to a cavalry sling setup. The stock is very sound and in very good condition with a lovely dark red brown color, and we do not see any major damage, just the usual wear from service including small dents and scratches.

A very rare Pre Civil War Naval Carbine, one of only 1,000 ever made! These are lacking from almost all Civil War Era Carbine Collections. Gently cleaned to put it in its best light.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1847
Caliber: .50"
Cartridge Type: Cap and ball
Barrel Length: 24 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 41 Inches
Action type: Lever Loading
Feed System: Single Shot

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.