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Rare French Guycot Chain Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 7,000.00 USD
Rare French Guycot Chain Rifle
Produced circa 1878, this unusual and rare rifle features a chain loading system housed in the frame and stock with a 80 (yes that’s eighty) round capacity. Running from the front section of the cylinder, through the stock and back again, the chain carries 80 chambers, which are then loaded with self contained center fire rounds in the style of the Hunt Rocket Ball. Operating in double action style, a pull of the trigger retracts a long needle-like firing pin, advances the chain to bring the next chamber in line, an inner barrel is drawn back through the heavy outer barrel until it covers the bullet end of the cartridge. When the drag on the trigger ends, the firing pin is released which drives through a small hole in the base of the container. Pin front and notch rear sights, with a loading gate set into the top of the frame, scroll style trigger guard, sling swivels and a hollow straight grip buttstock. P. Gay, a French engineer and Mrs. H. Guenot, a French merchant secured British patent #187 in 1879, otherwise the origin of the Guycot remains a mystery and historical facts are sketchy. No markings are present. The rifle comes with a copy of June 2007 issue of The Gun Report, which contains an article about the Guycot chain pistols and rifles.
BBL: 19 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 41
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 171
Condition: Good, wth a mixed gray and brown patina, with moderate pitting on the breech end of the barrel, top of the receiver and upper tang. The stock has been freshened with a coat of varnish some time ago, the buttplate is ill-fitting at the heel and toe, and remains good with some scattered minor dings and dents. Mechanically needs adjustment. A solid example of a rare French Guycot Chain rifle.