Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of one of the Lever Action repeating rifles made by Whitneyville Armory, located in Whitneyville Connecticut. This area, today near Hamden Connecticut, was so named due to it's association with the famous Eli Whitney, the inventor of the Cotton Gin. Whitney also manufactured firearms, such as Springfield Muskets, and his son, also named Eli Whitney, followed in his footsteps. The factory was expanded, and the area became known as "Whitneyville", making firearms throughout the 19th century. Eventually, after several consolidations, the factory became "Whitneyville Armory."
Under this name they produced various different firearms, though unfortunately they were not able to catch up with their competitors in terms of volume. However they still applied for and received patents, and are very well regarded among collectors.
This fine example is of the type the company manufactured from 1880 to 1886, which was a refinement of the earlier "Burgess Model 1878 Long Range Repeating Rifle". Samuel V. Kennedy and Frank W. Tiesing redesigned the rifle to work with the popular Winchester .44-40 cartridge, and these new "Whitney Kennedy" rifles started shipping out in March of 1880. Total production is estimated to have been about 26,500 between 1880 and 1886, and serial numbers consisted of a letter followed by numbers. These originally kept the "S" Shaped lever of the Burgess, but around the "F" - "G" range a Winchester style "loop" lever was introduced, as found on this example.
The top of the barrel has the factory address information:
WHITNEY ARMS CO.
NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.
Some were also marked "WHITNEYVILLE ARMORY", and either marking could have the name "KENNEDY" stamped as well. The barrel tang also indicates the patent information that the rifle was manufactured under, which is partly faded.:
PAT'D JAN'Y. 7-73.
APr 21.(2) MAY 13 & AUG.12 - 79
The markings are not clear on the second line, as is seen on many of these. It is believed that the die used to stamp the patent markings broke, and they did not replace or repair it.
The rifle looks very nice, and was most likely refinished at some point, and has since seem more age and wear, so the finish is retained at about 80%. It is quite imposing, with a large frame and heavy 24 inch long barrel. It is fitted with a Winchester style "Semi-Buck Horn" rear sight, with a blade front sight. The butt stock is a later flat curved military style, not the crescent shape often seen. The lever and lower receiver tang are both marked with serial number L 652, indicating it was produced about half way through the run of this particular model.
The walnut stocks are in simply excellent condition, with a great color, and very little wear of any kind. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, though there is definitely some wear to the lands. The finish is bright in most places, and the bore probably rates an 8 out of 10. The action opens and closes correctly, with a crisp dry fire.
In nice operating condition it has a full tube under the barrel magazine. Hard to find and Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1880-1886
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 24 Inches
Overall Length: 45 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Repeater
Feed System: tube magazine
NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.
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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
