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19th C. U.S. Patent Model': ''Breech-Loading Fire-Arm

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:150.00 USD
19th C. U.S. Patent Model': ''Breech-Loading Fire-Arm
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Rare and Genuine 19th Century U.S. Patent Office Model ''Breech-Loading Fire-Arm'', Patent No. 87058 granted to L.A. Merriam on Feb. 16, 1869, consisting of a carved walnut full-size rifle breech measuring 7.5'' overall, having an internal wooden bolt that slides back and forth then locks when its metal handle is moved downward at the front of the stroke, but no trigger or other components. Device is simple yet well made. Accompanying the model is a clear plastic holder containing a 3''x3.25'' manila card tag marked ''No. 87058/L.A. Merriam/Breech-Loading/Fire-Arm./Patented Feb. 16th/1869'', another marked ''1869/L.A. Merriam/Fire Arms/Received Feb'y. 1st.'' (bound together by a faded red ribbon), a newer card reading ''Certified to be the Original Model from the U.S. Patent Office 1830-1880./87058/Lincoln A. Merriam/New York, N.Y./Cliff Petersen Collection'' in Santa Monica, CA, a clipped illustration of this patent, and two Patent Office copies illustrating this device with its description and operation. Condition of the breech model is fine, the two 1869 tags are rather fragile as expected, the rest fine. Est.: $300-$500.