4114 VERY FINE CIVIL WAR GREENE BOLT ACTION BREECH

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This item SOLD at 2025 Nov 02 @ 13:07UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,000.00 USD
Estimated at 4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
LOADING RIFLE. Cal. 53. S# 3193. This unique Civil War era rifle was the 1st bolt action arm in US military, patented by Col. J D Greene, US army. Manufactured by AH Waters, Milbury, Mass 1859-1860. It incorporates rarely seen underhammer percussion ignition system and oval bore of style patented in England by Charles Lancaster which was similar to Whitworth's hexagonal bore. Very few of these rifles saw service as the complex loading of 2 cartridges and caps falling off nipples on bottom, though fired Greene rounds are known from battlefield excavations. This is a beautiful survivor in near new condition. CONDITION: Excellent overall, 36" round barrel retains 80% thinning blue finish, balance plum/blue patina. 90% fire blue finish on 3 barrel bands, trigger guard, and serial numbered bolt. Buttplate has plum patina with strong traces of factory blue. Ring hammer & trigger retain much of their dark case colors. Lower tang has crisp markings: "GREENE'S PATENT / NOV. 17 1857". Full straight grain walnut stock has scattered small cosmetic blemishes. Buttplate trap retains original cleaning brush that attaches to threaded steel ramrod. Mechanics are crisp, bore is bright & shiny. (01-27783/JS). ANTIQUE. $4,000-6,000.