Whitney-Kennedy Lever Action Rifles

[Bob Riebe]

Eli Whitney Jr., son of the inventor of the famous “cotton gin”, ran the Whitneyville Armory for many years, producing a wide variety of firearms until nearly the end of the 1800s. Among other gun produced was the Whitney-Kennedy lever action rifle, based on an action designed by Andrew Burgess. From 1880 until 1886, about 23,500 of these rifles and carbines were manufactured. Their most distinctive visual feature is the unique serpentine operating lever, although this was replaced with a more traditional looking lever towards the end of production.


Marked on the side “PROPERTY OF THE ONLY AND ORIGINAL MILLER & NEWTON’S SHOWS”. This was a traveling Wild West Show similar to Cody’s operation. This is the only one I have seen with these markings. Smooth bore 44-40.


                                         
                                         
 The Whitney Arms Company produced the Kennedy Lever Action rifles from approx. 1880 to 1886 with a total of 23,500 units. Its primary competitors were the Winchester Model 1876 lever action rifle and the Marlin Model 1881 lever action rifle. This particular example is probably late production as it has a fully enclosed loop lever instead of the early "S" pattern which was introduced around 1883. The caliber 45-60 was also introduced in 1883 to mirror the offering in the Model 1876 Winchester. The serial number is in the M block which Maxwell dates to March-April of 1884. Upper tang has 1873 and numerous 1879 patents. Barrel is marked "45-60" at the breech and simply "Whitneyville Armory CT, USA" forward of the rear sight.


                                                     
.44-40 WCF, .38-40 WCF, or .32-20 WCF cal., small frame, full magazine capacity of 13 rounds in standard rifle, 24 in. round or octagon barrel, pinched blade front and Buckhorn sporting rear sights, walnut stock w/crescent buttplate. Mfg. circa 1879-1886.

[Bob Riebe]

 Modified