Original U.S. Brown Manufacturing Co. Merrill-Patent M-1871 .58 Caliber Bolt-Action Rifle - c.1872
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Original Item. Only One Available. Extremely rare, this was manufactured by the BROWN MANUFACTURING COMPANY of NEWBURYPORT, MASS . by John Hamilton BROWN, using George MERRILL's Patent of OCTOBER 17th 1871. The rifle started life as a .577 caliber Pattern of 1853 percussion Rifle Musket supplied to the United States during the Civil War, and was an attempt to convert these surplus rifles to breech loading.
The Company only lasted from 1869 until 1873, when it went bankrupt and its machinery was all sold to a former COLT ARMS employee, one JOHN MARLIN. He then used it to start the MARLIN FIREARMS COMPANY, which is still in business today.
Often referred to as the first Bolt Action Rifle of the U.S. Army, this model got little past the trial stages and was mainly sold off to State Militias. Consequently these are very rare.
Our example is Serial numbered 144 under the Barrel and there is an stamp in the wood stock under the trigger guard of J.B. for JOHN BROWN. The bolt assembly bears the manufacturer and patent information:
BROWN MFG. Co. NEWBURYPORT. MASS
PATENTED OCT. 17. 1871
There is also a U.S. Spread Eagle stamped into the left side of the butt stock. Otherwise the stock is devoid of markings on the exterior.
The Rifle is in fine condition, now fully cleaned and ready for Display. The extractor on the bolt is absent but otherwise the weapon is totally complete. The bolt action system is somewhat interesting, with a safety that locks the bolt in place with the hammer UP. The hammer will still fall but not far enough to strike the firing pin.
Exceptionally rare and ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1872
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge.
Barrel Length: 33 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 54 Inches
Action type: Bolt Action with External Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot
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