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RARE GREENE OVAL BORE US MILITARY RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
RARE GREENE OVAL BORE US MILITARY RIFLE.
Cal. 53. NSN. Bbl. 37 1/2". 52 1/2" Overall. This was a very innovative gun for its time & the first bolt action rifle purchased by the US Govt. James Durrell Greene, Harvard graduate & member of local militia unit invented this gun prior to long military service starting as an officer in the 5th MA infantry. This solid design incorporated a locking push button behind breech to release bolt, bolt twisted up & pulled back to load paper 53 cal. cartridge, then required ring trigger under hammer to be cocked. Rifle also incorporated slotted ramrod that threaded & screwed into its mortice for stability. The unique oval bore & design required loading & seating ball first, then loading power. Even though 900 rifles were purchased by US Govt. during the Civil War & even though they cost triple what a normal muzzle loading musket cost, few saw field service. Several thousand were sold prior to & during the war to Russia & Egypt. CONDITION: very good to fine overall, metal smooth & bright w/ scattered areas of staining, scattered pinprick pitting. Stock is sound w/ retaining most of an added linseed oil varnish. All original matching. Mechanically will not holding on full cock w/ crisp, bright bore. (01-19373/JS). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.