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Rare breech-loading single shot rifle marked W. H. Smith Patented December 10th 1861” in three pla

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Rare breech-loading single shot rifle marked  W. H. Smith Patented December 10th 1861” in  three pla
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
Rare breech-loading single shot rifle marked W. H. Smith Patented December 10th 1861” in three places: lock, tang, and breech. Believed to be prototype or patent model as this is the only specimen currently known tosophisticated collectors. The rifle is in The rifle is in .52 caliber, showing a 36” round barrel secured by three bands, patchbox and stock remarkable similar to Sharps with Lawrence rear sight and other identifiableSharps parts. The barrel shows a stud for saber bayonet. An Ames-marked 1862 bayonet which fits the rifle is included. The mechanism is extremely interesting having a breech block that swings to the left when the lever is unlocked allowing access to the breech. The condition is very good with traces of blue drifting to brown on the barrel. The action shows strong traces of case hardening drifting to grey brown. Thestocks are very good plus with a few dings, mars, scratches. The bore is bright and shows no use. W. H. Smith was from Rochester NY and New York City. He made fine rifles and was known to work with Billinghurst and