Greene's Patent Oval Bore Breechloading Rifle
.53 caliber. 36" barrel secured by three flat, spring retained barrel bands. SN: 4179. Blued and color casehardened finish, smooth walnut stock. Standard two-line markings on receiver tang. Retains the correct long range rear sight, combination front sight/bayonet lug, sling swivels, cleaning rod and special ridged nipple to reduce the chance of cap loss. Only 4,500 of these unique, under hammer percussion bolt action breechloaders were produced, circa 1859-1862. The rifles used an oval bore based upon Lancasters patent, which relied on mechanical, rather than cut rifling. The major and minor axises of the bore were slightly different and the the bore itself twisted along the length of the barrel, imparting the spin to the projectiles. Roughly 1,500 were purchased by the US with the balance purchased by the Russians. The rifles holds the distinction of being the first bolt action rifle adopted by the US military.
Condition:
Very good. Retains some strong traces of blue on the barrel with significant flaking and loss, the balance reign a moderately oxidized brownish-blue color. Lock with some case color remaining. Mechanically functional, bore about good, moderately oxidized, dirty and with some light pitting. Stock with scattered bumps, dings and mars.
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We are happy to announce that the Cincinnati office of Hindman/Cowan's will be moving to a new location on May 23, 2022.
In advance of our move, we are requiring that all purchased property be removed from our current Este Avenue location within two weeks of the completion of each auction. For this auction, all property must be removed by May 11.
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