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LOT 3279
Rare and Important Cased Engraved Thomas W.G. Treeby Patent Percussion Chain Rifle - Serial no. 291, 54 cal., 18 1/8 inch round
bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This mid-19th century repeating rifle is one of the most unusual and impressive firearms ever created, based on Thomas W.G. Treeby’s patent no.1552 from July 11, 1855. A very important and desirable gun, it is essentially an early (likely the first) belt fed firearm design. In place of a revolving cylinder, the gun utilizes a series of individual chambers linked together like a chain for a total of fourteen shots. To ready the next shot, the shooter rotates the handle on the breech which turns the barrel and moves it forward freeing the mouth of the chamber which is chamfered to make a nice fit and gas seal. Then, they cock the hammer which simultaneously moves the next shot into position.
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