{"product_id":"original-u-s-navy-w-j-jenks-side-hammer-mule-ear-first-pattern-breech-loading-percussion-carbine","title":"Original U.S. Navy W.J. Jenks Side Hammer \"Mule-Ear\" First Pattern Breech Loading Percussion Carbine","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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\".\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdopted 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere 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:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN.P. AMES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPRINGFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMASS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfortunately due to the pitting, this is only partly legible. The only other markings present are on the underside of the breech lever: \u003cstrong\u003e17 \/ 37\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1845-1850\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .54\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Cap and ball\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 24 1\/4 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 41 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Lever Loading\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40253050159173,"sku":"ONSV22MMD24","price":1895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV22MMD24__01.jpg?v=1660749334","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-navy-w-j-jenks-side-hammer-mule-ear-first-pattern-breech-loading-percussion-carbine","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}