Item:
ON5876

Original U.S. Civil War Greene's Patent Under Hammer Bolt Action Percussion Rifle - circa 1861

Item Description

 Original Item: Only One Available. This is something you don't see every day, and this is indeed the only example we have had of a Greene Under Hammer Rifle. The system was invented by LT. COLONEL J. DURRELL GREENE and patented on November 17, 1857 as normally stamped on the tang. Unfortunately due to age and many cleanings, all of the markings on the rifle are missing. There is just a trace of the word GREENE on the barrel tang. This is the rifle that introduced the bolt action system to the U.S. Army, probably somewhat copying the German 1841 Dreyse Needle fire Rifle. However, it proved somewhat premature, and it was decades before the U.S. would explore another bolt action design.

The rifle features an "UNDER HAMMER" placed in front of the trigger guard that has a "ring" machined into it for ease of cocking the weapon. It also has a somewhat unique loading system, in that it required the loading of two bullets, one of which served as a gas seal. In the initial loading sequence, a bullet was inserted, followed by a powder charge, then a second bullet. The first bullet actually left the muzzle when the rifle was discharged, while the second remained in the breech to prevent propellant gasses from escaping. When the rifle was re-loaded, this bullet was advanced into the bore, followed by a powder charge and a new "gas seal" bullet. The process would be continually repeated; thus each bullet saw dual use - first as a breech gas seal, and next as a projectile on the subsequent shot.

Another interesting feature was the "oval" bore the rifle featured. Greene purchased the machinery for producing his oval-rifled barrels from the Charles Lancaster firm of London, England, the originator of this easy-to-clean style of rifling. These rifles were manufactured by A. H. Waters of Millbury, Massachusetts. 

One Thousand Five hundred were produced for the American market, however the U.S.Military only purchased 900 of these. A further 3,000 were produced for an Export contract to Imperial Russia. Consequently this has become now only a true milestone in U.S. Arms development but indeed one of the rarest Civil War Rifles produced.

Interestingly its downfall was that on several occasions it was reported that the Percussion Cap had a tendency to "fall off" the inverted nipple under combat conditions. This resulted in no further Military Contracts being issued for the GREENE Rifle.

In  nice condition externally having been extensively cleaned and restored having been a "barn find". It is in operating condition but stiff with most all the markings are now worn away, definitely not sold as a shooter as the bore is unservicable.

Extremely rare , most interesting and ready to display.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1861
Caliber: Approx .50" - oval shape
Cartridge Type: Cap and ball
Barrel Length: 35 Inches

Overall Length: 53 Inches
Action type: Bolt Loading.
Feed System: Single Shot

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  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

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