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Scarce Roper Revolving Shotgun

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,600.00 - 2,500.00 USD
Scarce Roper Revolving Shotgun
This is an example of a later production Roper revolving shotgun that was produced at Hartford, Connecticut from 1869 to 1876 by the Roper Sporting Arms Company. The serial number is marked on the barrel and frame under the forearm. This shotgun used special steel cartridges. The four shot carriers (consisting of a series of fins) are enclosed within a large round housing with a hinged loading gate on top which is marked "ROPER SPORTING ARMS CO. / HARTFORD CONN / PAT. APR. 10, 1866, JULY 14, 1868.". The hammer pulled the sliding breechblock to the rear, removing the fired case from the barrel, then revolving the cloverleaf carrier; when the trigger was pulled, it pushed the next cartridge into the barrel firing it. The barrel was blue. Frame, trigger guard, and housing are casehardened. Bead front sight and dished area on the front top of the frame serves as the rear sight. Smooth forearm with pewter forend cap and straight grip stock with a steel shotgun butt.
BBL: 28 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 12
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 491
Condition: Very fine. The barrel retains 80% original blue finish with a couple of minor scratches, a small amount of minor flaking and some minor spotting. The receiver has a bronze tint due to a coat of protective varnish and there is strong original case colors under the forearm. The wood is fine with some scattered minor dings and dents. The markings remain clear. The action is fine.