A Jennings 12 Shot Repeating Rifle, prototype Isaiah Jennings superposed 12 shot repeating flintlock rifle, with engraved brass frame, engraved with the serial number "No. 1" on the top barrel flat This model is based upon an earlier breech loading single shot design of Jennings' that was manufactured circa 1818 but incorporates many innovative features unique to this weapon. Estimate upon request Provenance: Descended through the Armant-Legendre-McCall-Baldwin Family, New Orleans. Note: J.B.B. Vignie, whose name is engraved on the gun, was a member of the City Council, 2nd District, New Orleans, 1820-1828; Captain of the Light Dragoons; President of the Louisiana State Bank, 1838; and Director of the Pontchartrain Railroad, c. 1840. The frame is engraved with decorative foliate scrolls and a cornucopia and is finished by a simple walnut slab. The stock is made of brass and originally contained and oval walnut cheek rest. Engraved in block Roman capitals on the inside flat of the butt is "J.B.B. Vignie". Note This configuration of frame and stock is believed to be used only in Isaiah Jennings' patent firearms, which are rare in America arms collections. By far the most distinctive feature of Jennings' patent is the moveable lock stopped assembly that slides along a rail in the right side of the frame, which is indexed to each vent position in turn by a spring-lever fastened next to the trigger guard. Eleven vents are closed by pivoting covers, each one being opened after preceding shots. All vents are equipped with cleanout screws on the opposite side of the frame. The trigger is connected to the lock internally by a long undulating linkage to the sear. One inherent problem in the flintlock ignition system that prevented multiple shots was solved with the integration of a priming powder reservoir inboard of the frizzen that automatically delivers a measured charge of powder to the flash pan each time the weapon is cocked, allowing for uninterrupted operation of the weapon for twelve continuous shots. Engraved decorative scrolls, banding and a spray of leaves, along with the bracketed signature, tastefully fill out the flats of the hammer and lock plate. The frizzen, bridle, and spring's engraving completes the decoration. Another feature distinctive to Jennings' early guns is a takedown mechanism allowing for the barrel's removal. Six lugs at the breach end of the barrel engaged a flange with six grooves. By loosening the locking thumbscrew and giving the barrel a quick one- eighth turn the two pieces separated. The 21 inch barrel is .44- caliber and is rifled with seven grooves. When the stock was also taken off by removing the single screw at the pistol grip the gun could be fired in its much-shortened length. After this patent was issued on Sept. 22, 1821, Jennings, along with a partner named Reuben Ellis, explored the possibilities of supplying the US Government with repeating arms. Their re-designed weapon was of conventional form, using a traditional wooden stock. Five hundred and twenty of these weapons were made for the government in a larger caliber by R. and J. D. Johnson of Middletown Connecticut in 1829. Upon completion, they were inspected by Federal inspectors and then delivered to the New York State Militia, presumably for field testing. Both four and ten shot versions are known and they are officially called the Ellis- Jennings Repeating Flintlock Rifle.