Kendall Nicanor
This gun was made by Nicanor Kendall. Kendall was very much an advocate of underhammer rifles. Presumably, this was because of an accident with a regular rifle that almost cost his wife her head. They were in a sled and when he pulled his rifle from under the blanket to shot a rabbit the hammer caught and the gun discharged.
Kendall’s largest order of underhammer rifles was to the citizens of Texas as they fought for independence.
Kendall was based in Windsor Vermont and served an apprenticeship under gunsmith Asa Story.
Along with his underhammer rifles, Kendall made a few of these “harmonica” rifles. It was previously reported that the highest serial number known was 108. However, the serial number of this one is 112, which makes it the current contender for highest serial number known.
A few years ago, an engraved example, serial number 94, sold at auction for $12,000.
Kendall later formed a partnership with Richard Smith Lawrence and Samuel E. Robbins.
In 1843 Robbins, Kendall & Lawrence received a contract to make Model 1841 “Mississippi” rifles.
Roger
