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
Note: Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
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