Whitney-Kennedy Small Frame Sporting Rifle .44-40 WCF Loop Lever, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1081
LSB#: 210930DC03
Make: Whitneyville Arms Company
Model: Whitney-Kennedy Small Frame Sporting Rifle
Serial Number: There is no serial number visible.
Year of Manufacture: 1880-1886
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WHITNEY ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.” forward of the rear sight and “44 CAL” behind. The top tang is marked “PAT’D JANY. 7-73. / AP??????? AUG. 12-79.”. The bottom tang appears to be marked “S51”, though the marking is quite shallow. There are more clear “S51” markings on the inside of the buttplate at the toe and the rear face of the stock, under the buttplate. The bottom of the dust cover is marked “51” twice, with one of the markings appearing to be stamped over another marking. The bottom-rear of the magazine tube, concealed by the forend, also has “51” and appears to be stamped over another number.
Barrel Length: 26”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with steel nosecap, straight grip, straight comb and crescent buttplate with sliding trapdoor storage compartment. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scrapes and scratches. There is dark discoloration in the wrist from age, oil and handling. There is a minor crack at the rear edge of the top tang, a more notable crack at the left-rear of the bottom tang and a thin crack at the toe which shows on each side and with the plate removed it can be seen that it is one crack across the rear edge. There are a few spots of a yellow/white substance, possibly paint. The LOP measures 12 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a thick, dark patina with scattered solid erosion and wear. Overall, the stocks are in Fair-Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: The finish was likely Blue & Case Color.
Finish Originality: We don’t see signs of refinishing, but little finish remains.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. There is moderate-heavy erosion and pitting throughout the bore. The rifling is not visible.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 7% of its metal finish. The only finish we could find was on the barrel and magazine tube under the forend. The exposed surfaces have gone to a thick, dark patina with scattered oxidation and erosion. Oxidation and erosion can also be seen inside the action. There are some scattered nicks, scrapes and scratches. There are two screws missing from the receiver and one screw has been replaced with a bent nail. The left receiver flat has what appears to be a rivet which also is not an original part and appears to be a replacement for a screw. The dust cover is missing both of its mounting screws. The markings are worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle rates in Poor condition as Antique (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The action is seized in place, we were not able to move the lever or the bolt, though the hammer cocks and the trigger drops the hammer properly. We have confirmed that the chamber is empty and the follower can be seen through the loading gate as it is stuck pushed in and down a little bit. There are screws missing as noted, with two appearing to be replaced with a bent nail and a rivet. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: In 1880, Samual V. Kennedy and Frank W. Tiesing redesigned the 1878 Whitney-Burgess-Morse rifle to accept the popular .44 Winchester Center Fire cartridge. With the basic machining already in place, the transition was rather inexpensive. The last Burgess was shipped from the factory in March 1880 and the first Kennedy was also shipped in March 1880. At about serial number 4500, the serial numbers were changed to a letter prefix, with about 23,500 rifles and carbines produced in all variations. Production ceased in early 1886, just two years before declining sales forced the sale of the company to Winchester, who was more than happy to shut down a viable competitor. This small-framed rifle is the later model with a loop lever, and is chambered in .44-40 Win. The rifle is in Poor condition and would make for a challenging restoration project. There may also be some parts worth removing for another. As it is, it will make a nice display in an early repeating rifle collection. Please see our photos and good luck!