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Unique European Experimental Prototype Bolt Action Percussion Breechloading Rifle
LOT 3261
Unique Unidentified European Experimental Prototype Bolt Action Percussion Breechloading Rifle - NSN, 50 cal., 33 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This unidentified European experimental breechloading percussion rifle uses a bolt action system with a side mounted lock and hammer. The flat faced bolt, with a front locking lug, is operated by pulling upwards on the folding handle at the rear prior to rotating the bolt counterclockwise from the users viewpoint, allowing it to be pulled rearwards for loading at the breech with a paper contained cartridge. Upon closing, the rear handle folds down to lay flat and out of the view of the line of sight, while simultaneously acting as a rear locking lug for the bolt body through the use of a cam located at the rotating area that seats itself into the bottom of the receiver channel. It shares only slight similarities with 1856 and 1858 dated patented bolt action designs with a folding bolt handle of Jules Manceaux of Paris. Blade front sight without a rear sight, or evidence of one having been there. Right side mounted bayonet lug and bar for some variation of a saber bayonet. The only marking present is on the lock with a well stamped circular logo of possibly Eastern Mediterranean, Turkish or even Arabian origin, although the gun appears to be the work of a European gunmaker with a high degree of fitment. The hammer and some of the fittings resemble a French military musket, and the lock is in the style of a British Pattern 53. A breechloading rifle such as this was very likely intended for military trials. CONDITION: Very fine, retains bright surfaces with some areas of light surface freckling, and crisp lock marking. Stock is also very fine as re-oiled, with some light scratches, some scattered dents, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Certainly an interesting rifle with an unusual mechanism, worthy of further research! Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
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