Manufactured circa 1843 to 1845 by N.P. Ames of Springfield, Massachusetts. with a total production of about 4,250. The vast majority of these carbines were made for the U.S. Navy and they were the only "mule ear" type arm that was officially accepted by U.S. armed forces. The lock is marked "WM JENKS" at the rear and "N.P. AMES/SPRINGFIELD/MASS" behind the hammer, and "WM JENKS" followed by "USN/RC/P/1845" on top of the breech end of the barrel. The bottom of the trigger guard, buttplate tang and the rear of the lower tang are stamped with a small "P". The front sight is integral to the front barrel band and the rear sight is a groove on top of the breechblock. Brass barrel bands, trigger guard and buttplate with a sling ring mounted on the rear of the trigger guard plate. Brown barrel, and casehardened breechblock and frame. Mounted with a smooth full walnut straight grip stock with a clear boxed "RP" and "JL" cartouches on the left stock wrist.

Very good. The barrel retains 40% original brown finish mixed with smooth brown mottled patina. The lock retains 90% plus low luster original unpolished military case colors. The breech block has a smooth dark patina. The once cleaned brass is fine. The stock is fine showing a thin preservation coat of varnish with only light handling/storage marks and sharp cartouches. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.