Whitney-Kennedy Large Frame Sporting Rifle .45-60 WCF 28″ Lever Antique
SOLD FOR: $2075
LSB#: 211027DC10
Make: Whitneyville Armory
Model: Whitney-Kennedy Large Frame Sporting Rifle
Serial Number: E809
Year of Manufacture: 1879-1883
Caliber: .45-60 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WHITNEYVILLE ARMORY, CT. U.S.A. KENNEDY” forward of the rear sight and “45-60” behind. The top tang is marked “PAT’D JANY. 7-73. / APIL 1 (2) MAY 18 & AUG. 12-79.”. The bottom tang is marked “E809”. The left side of the lever, obscured when in battery, is marked “E / 809”. The frame under the hammer is marked “A”. The interior of the dust cover of the bolt is marked “E / 809”.
Barrel Length: 28”, Octagonal
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 thin crack loss on the wrist along the right side of the top tang. There are some areas of discoloration. The left side of the wrist is slightly shy to the receiver. 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 scabbing, light erosion, and wear. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: The finish was likely Blue & Case Color.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is worn but has remained strong. There is scattered erosion and pitting.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. Remains of finish can be seen on the tube and bottom of the octagonal barrel. The exposed surfaces have gone to a thick, dark patina with scattered oxidation, scabbing, and erosion. There are some scattered nicks, scrapes, and scratches. The markings are worn but mostly clear. The screwheads are tool marked, some of the slots may not be useable. Overall, this rifle rates in Good-Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever must be firmly pushed forwards to engage the lifter. 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 large-framed rifle is the earlier model with an S-shaped lever, and is chambered in .45-60 Winchester. The rifle is in Good-Very Good condition and will make a great addition to an early lever action rifle collection. Please see our photos and good luck!