U.S. N P Ames Jenks Percussion Carbine

This side-hammer breechloader is stamped with naval inspector marks. A total of about 4,250 of these Jenks "Mule Ear" carbines were made in the period c. 1843-1846. SN 1437

Jenks (U.S.) Model 1841 Navy Swing-block Percussion Musket (single-shot/ breech-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition)

During the Mexican War, a single-shot breech-loading carbine was widely used by the United States Navy. Designed by William Jenks, about 4,000 of these arms were manufactured for the Navy by N.P. Ames of Springfield, Massachusetts. These carbines are stamped by naval inspectors. They are fired by means of a percussion cone mounted on the right side. This location requires a hammer that swings sideways. When in its cocked position, the side hammer looks something like a mule's ear. These carbines are among the first percussion arms to be used in U.S. maritime combat.

- Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #54