Original U.S. Whitney Arms Co. "Kennedy" Lever Action Repeating Rifle in .44-60 W.C.F. with Shortened Magazine - Serial N 452 Circa 1885

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 modified 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 clearly marked, in the correct "reverse italicized" font:-

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 removed due to holes drilled in the tang for attachment of long range sights in the past, which are no longer present:-

PAT'D JAN'Y. 7-73.
APr 21.(2) MAY 13 & AUG.12 - 79

The markings are not entirely 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 barrel is marked 40-60 over the chamber, indicating the chambering. The lever and lower receiver tang are both marked with serial number N 452, indicating it was produced just over half way through the run of this particular model.

The the rifle is in lovely honest used condition, with the original blued finish worn to a light tray polished patina overall, with a bit more oxidation and wear on the barrel.  It is quite imposing, with a large heavy frame and heavy 24 inch long round barrel. The magazine under the barrel has bene shortened to about half of its original length, and the dovetail under the muzzle where it originally attached can still be seen. It is fitted with a custom made "Semi-Buck Horn" rear sight, with a blade front sight that definitely shows modification. The butt plate is the usual "crescent" style seen, and has a working brass covered butt stock compartment, very similar to those used on Winchester rifles.

The walnut stocks are in simply excellent condition, with a great color, particularly the butt stock. Both look to have had some type of varnished applied in the past. Both stocks show some wear from service, with the fore stock showing a darker color from more exposure to hand oils. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, though there is definitely some wear to the lands. The finish is bright in most places, with some evidence of past fouling, now removed. The bore probably rates an 7-8 out of 10. The action opens and closes correctly, with a crisp dry fire. We did note that one of the screws on the right side of the receiver is missing, but this does not seem to interfere with functioning.

A lovely period modified example of a hard to find U.S. Lever action repeating rifle! Reach to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1880-1886
Caliber: .44-60 Winchester
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 24 Inches
Overall Length: 42 1/4 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Repeater
Feed System: tube magazine

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.