Welcome to right this moment’s Photo of the Day! Right here we now have an unmarked American prototype thriller repeater from the mid-Nineteenth century that includes twin spring-loaded tube magazines on both aspect of the barrel and a horizontal sliding breech block. This uncommon design has no documented producer.
Rifle makes use of brass body development with an iron barrel. Two tube magazines run alongside both aspect of the barrel, feeding cartridges to a “harmonica fashion” horizontal sliding breech block. Ring set off on the underside actuates the breech block forwards and backwards for feeding and firing, whereas a bar lever on high strikes concurrently with the breech block.
Harmonica-style horizontal breech is extraordinarily uncommon in American firearms. Most repeating rifles used vertical or rotational feeding programs. This horizontal slide design suggests experimental work by an unknown gunsmith or inventor attempting to create a sensible repeating rifle mechanism.
Twin tube magazines are equally uncommon. Most tube journal rifles used a single journal tube underneath the barrel. Having magazines on either side of the barrel would supply excessive capability however add appreciable weight and complexity to the feeding mechanism.
54 caliber chambering and 35-inch barrel counsel this was meant as a full-power rifle slightly than a small-bore experimental piece. Dimension signifies the maker was critical about making a working repeating rifle for searching or navy use.
American gunsmiths within the mid-Nineteenth century ceaselessly experimented with repeating mechanisms. Most failed to attain industrial manufacturing, and their prototypes both disappeared or survive as unmarked curiosities like this rifle. With out maker’s marks or patent documentation, figuring out the precise inventor is unimaginable.
Most of our POTDs make the most of pictures from our buddies at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms public sale in the US. Take a while to browse their current auctions – who is aware of, possibly you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take house!
“Unmarked American Prototype Tube Journal Fed Sliding Breech Rifle.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/1049/3267/unmarked-american-prototype-tube-magazine-sliding-breech-rifle. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
Trending Merchandise
