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Rare and Unique Patent Experimental Single-Shot Breechloading Rifle by General Benjamin Stone Robert

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Rare and Unique Patent Experimental Single-Shot Breechloading Rifle by General Benjamin Stone Robert
Rare and Unique Patent Experimental Single-Shot Breechloading Rifle by General Benjamin Stone Roberts. Unserialized. 52 caliber, unmarked 32 5/8-inch barrel with pedestal front sight and three-position folding leaf rear sight. Case-hardened falling block single-shot action, the breech opened by manipulation of a top lever. Nickel-plated barrel bands, triggerguard and buttplate. Varnished walnut stock with carbine style butt. Sling mounts. The patent drawing of this experimental rifle, listed as Patent No. 90,024, is shown on page 131 of the Digest of U.S. Patents Relating to Breech Loading and Magazine Small Arms 1836-1873 by V.D. Stockbridge, 1874 [republished in 1963 by Flayderman Publishing]. Benjamin Stone Roberts Breech-loading Arms Co., 39 Broadway, New York 1865-1874. Inventor of the Roberts army rifles and carbines, and of the Roberts system of alteration to breech-loaders, patented Feb. 27, 1866. The Roberts arms were manufactured by the Providence Tool Co. The Roberts conversion system was adopted by the State of New York in 1867. The patent on this rifle was dated May 11, 1869 which was possibly the last patent issued to Roberts. Condition: Good. Barrel showing a dark brown age patina with scattered light pitting. Breechblock and action retaining slight traces of case-hardening and age patina. Wood with minor wear and bruises. Action excellent.