U.S. Navy Remington Jenks Carbine (AL6968)

E. Remington & Son manufactured approx. 1,000 Jenks "Mule Ear" carbines with the Maynard tape primer for the U.S. Navy circa 1847to 1848. Remington took over the Jenks contract from the Ames Manufacturing Company and manufactured the last 1,000 carbines for the Navy with machinery purchased from Ames. This single shot, percussion, breech loading, Maynard tape primed, 54 caliber carbine is unusual in that it has a side hammer, thus the term "mule ear". The 24.5" round barrel of this carbine has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. The barrel retains most of its original thinning brown finish. It is marked at the breech small P over W JENKS over U.S'N over RP (inspector's initials) over P over 1847 over CAST STEEL. The lock plate has much of its original case hardened colors. The lock plate is marked REMINGTON'S over HERKIMER over N.Y.. The breech lever is a mix of silver and blue. The brass bands, butt plate, and trigger guard have an even age patina. The sling ring is mounted on the rear of the trigger guard. The stock is fine with a few issue dents and dings, no cracks or chips, and a visible inspector's cartouches on the left flat. The action, including the tape primer mechanism, functions correctly. The mule ear Jenks were the only side hammer arms adopted by any U.S. military service. With only 1,000 manufactured, the Remington tape primer Jenks carbine is hard to find.