Shortened Greene's Patent Oval Bore Bolt Action Percussion Rifle

American Civil War

.52 caliber. 26.5" barrel secured by two flat spring retained barrel bands. SN: 4539. Blued finish, iron furniture, walnut stock. Single shot breechloading bolt action percussion underhammer military rifle with Lancaster's patent "oval bore" mechanical rifling that appears to be smooth but has very minor differences in the diameter of the major and minor axis of the bore. Rifle has been shortened to carbine length a very long time ago. The barrel has been shortened about 8.5" and the forend cut back appropriately, with the front sight reset and the upper barrel band removed. It retains the Enfield style military ladder rear sight, a musket style base and blade front sight, both sling swivels and a shortened trumpet head cleaning rod that is not the correct pattern. The butt trap does not retain the cleaning tool, but two lead bullets are inside, a flat bass three-ring elongated ball and a round ball. Both are nominally .53 caliber. Standard Greene markings on the upper receiver tang. The Greene rifle holds the distinction of being the first bolt action rifle to be purchased by the US Ordnance Department, with 900 being delivered in March of 1863, a smaller number were acquired by various militia regiments early in the Civil War and some 3,000 were sold to the Russians. Total production was about 4,500 circa 1859 to 1863.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Fair. Bore fair, dark, dirty and oxidized. Metal with traces of finish and having developed a mostly untouched plum brown patina. Metal with some scattered surface oxidation and some light pitting. Markings remain legible. Mechanically functional bolt action, underhammer functional as well. Stock shortened as noted, showing scattered bumps, dings and mars. A rare gun that might be best used as a source of parts for a Greene Rifle in need of restoration, as bolts, rear sights, sling swivels, etc are rarely found.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email armsarmor@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Arms, Armor and Militaria Online

Shortened Greene's Patent Oval Bore Bolt Action Percussion Rifle

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup