Lot 1029

Three-Digit Serial Number Whitney-Kennedy Large Frame Rifle

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Three-Digit Serial Number Whitney-Kennedy Large Frame Rifle

Estimate: $10,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $9,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Outstanding Very Early Production Three-Digit Serial Number Whitney-Kennedy Large Frame Lever Action Rifle in .45-60 W.C.F. Manufactured c. 1879, the first year of production, this is an extraordinary example of the desirable Whitney-Kennedy Large Frame lever action rifle. These Large Frame rifles from the Whitneyville Armory were a direct competitor with Winchester's Model 1875 and later Model 1886, as well as the Model 1881 offered by Marlin. Much like their competitors, these large caliber Whitney repeaters found popularity in the American West, where their potent cartridges and large magazines made them a welcome companion on the frontier. This particular example was made very early in production as the serial numbering for these rifles began at 1 and ran to 5000 before starting over with a series of letter prefixes, meaning that this particular rifle was only the 293rd produced by Whitney. These Whitney-Kennedy rifles were produced until the Whitney company went under, being sold off to the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. The top flat of the barrel has the one-line Whitneyville Armory marking, which is lightly struck, followed by "KENNEDY", as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The two-line patent marking is on the upper tang. The serial number is on the lower tang and the left of the lever arm. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, a folding ladder rear sight, and sling swivel studs on the forearm cap and the bottom of the stock. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing an included four-piece cleaning rod.

Manufacturer: Whitneyville Armory

Model: Kennedy

BBL: 28 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 45-60 Winchester

Finish: blue

Serial Number293

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Extremely fine, retaining 90% of the bright, original, high polish blue finish, 97% of the vibrant original case colors on the lever, and 90% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina. The wood is exceptionally fine with some scattered light handling marks and almost all the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. This is a outstanding example of the highly desirable large frame Whitney-Kennedy lever action rifle that would be very difficult to improve upon!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000