3140 GREENE BREECH LOADING RIFLE WITH BAYONET.

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 500.00 USD
Estimated at 1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Cal. 53. S# 3351 (on bottom of bolt; bolt is difficult to get out). Having the distinction of being the first bolt action firearm adopted by the US government, this rifle features an oval bore as designed by Charles Lancaster of London. This rifle appears to be one of about 300 or so purchased by William Read & Sons of Boston as it does not have US inspector's markings. It is of usual configuration having 35" rnd. Barrel. The rifle is breech loaded w/ a fairly complicated system by which the bolt handle first inserts a paper cartridge into the chamber. The breech section is then pushed into place. Then the bolt handle must be retracted to rear position & turned to the right to lock the breech. Next the under hammer firing mechanism must be cocked plus a cap placed on the nipple. About 4,500 rifles rifles were made; of these 3,000 were shipped to Russia. None of this contract are known to have been found. Barrel attaches to stock w/ three spring retained bands & rifle is iron mounted. Top tang is marked "GREENE'S PATENT" "NOV 17 1857". UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: rifle is accompanied by a triangular bayonet w/ 18" blade marked "J.D.G", which appears to fit rifle well. CONDITION: good. Metal retaining about 30% original blue, but shows considerable cleaning & overall pitting some of which is very deep. Stock is fair w/ repairs around nipple shroud plus lg. epoxy repair at butt. It appears rifle was stored in a wet cellar for a long time. Bore is bright having scattered patches of dark pitting. Mechanically good. Bayonet shows cleaning to silver gray. (01-24493/MGM). ANTIQUE. $1,000-1,500.