Originally posted by Ultraman:
This has been stored in a private collection for decades. A VERY early, 3 digit serial number Kennedy. Ill paste Whitney Kennedy historic info below with highlighted areas that apply to THIS RIFLE.
Serial 630 found on lower tang and lever (clearly shown in last two photos) Serial 630 found on lower tang and lever (clearly shown in last two photos). The S lever. The KENNEDY (only) marking, the early patent markings. I cannot find an example in this condition or this early anywhere. The action is very tight, bore is quite nice and overall just incredible condition. History you can go shoot hunt and enjoy. Lots of videos and history of Billy the Kid, Eli Whitney etc on the web.
“Kennedy Serial Numbers
In 1880, Samual V. Kennedy and Frank W. Tiesing redesigned the 1878 Burgess 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.
Estimated dates of production: Early 1880 to early 1886.
Barrel markings:
Initially marked only Kennedy Initially marked only Kennedy, after nearly 2000, Whitneyville Armory Ct. U.S.A. was added to the address.
Tang markings: Early markings were;
PATENTED January 7, 1873-May 19, 1879 PATENTED January 7, 1873-May 19, 1879
Serial numbers: Serial numbers began with 1, approximately 4500 the serial number.
THIS IS SERIAL #630, THIS IS SERIAL #630, A VERY EARLY GUN IN .44-40, IVE FOUND NO OTHERS CLOSE TO THIS EARLY OR CONDITION
Sequence was changed to a letter prefix, i.e. A1-A999, to B1-B999 continuing this sequence till the end of production in the high S range.
##Serial numbers are located under the lever and also on the lever. BOTH PLACES SHOW SN# 630 ##By opening the lever both these numbers can be observed. ##Serial numbers are located under the lever and also on the lever. BOTH PLACES SHOW SN# 630 ##By opening the lever both these numbers can be observed. However, there are some that are found without numbers in one or more of these places.”
LINK TO PHOTO ALBUMAugust in Austin Tx 512-567-7855
www.augustguns.com august@augustguns.com 
