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 second example we have ever had of a W.J. Jenks "Mule-Ear" Carbine. 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 in 1845, these carbines were far from a success, and once the new SHARP'S system was introduced in 1853, its days were numbered. Even new types made by Remington with the Maynard tape primer system were unable to keep them in service, and by the Civil War, the Jenks had been mostly removed from U.S. Navy service.

Here is a very interesting example, truly found in a seaside structure and has all the salt corrosion to prove it. The metalwork is covered in old pit marks, which has unfortunately obliterated almost all of the exterior markings. There are however remnants of the manufacturer markings, which are towards the middle of the lock plate. Originally they would have read:

Unfortunately due to the pitting, this is only partly legible. The only other markings present are on the underside of the breech lever: 17 / 37.

The breech loading mechanism is still functional, properly opening and allowing the chamber to be accessed. We checked the bore, and amazingly it is in far better condition than the exterior, still showing a mostly bright smooth finish. The lock functions, holding at half cock and firing at full, however due to corrosion the trigger does not return to the forward position without assistance. The sear presses on the trigger sideways, requiring it to hit an angled portion, which is currently out of alignment.

The fittings are all of brass: trigger guard, two barrel bands and butt plate. The stock is very sound and in very good condition with a lovely color. There is however a chunk missing just above the lock plate. We do not see any sign that there was ever a suspension ring installed on the trigger guard of this example.

A very rare Naval Pre Civil War Naval Carbine that seems to be lacking from most Carbine Collections. Gently cleaned to put it in its best light.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1845-1850
Caliber: .54"
Cartridge Type: Cap and ball
Barrel Length: 24 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 41 Inches
Action type: Lever Loading
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

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.