Condition: Fine for this model. Retaining approximately 90-95% dulled nickel finish with minor wear at muzzle and some relief edges. Fore-end with minor sliver chip at muzzle. Minor chip to rear of fore-end adjacent frame with twine-wrap re-enforcement to barrel guard. Cheekpiece with tiny chip at rear of left side. Action good.

Note: This unique prototype 50-shot breech-loading magazine rifle, one of only three in existence, was invented by J.V. Meigs under U.S. patent No, 54934 issued May 22, 1866. This rifle is designed with a metallic tube taking the place of the ordinary neck of the stock for the purpose of carrying the magazine; this tube is attached the walnut cheekpiece and steel buttplate. The frame of the rifle or receiver carries within it a guard and trigger assembly capable of sliding back and forth, producing the motions necessary to chamber and fire the arm from any position desired. During testing, so little disturbance was created with this action that 50 shots could be fired per minute with ease. According to the testing, it was determined that a sufficiently accurate aim can be insured to cover an advancing cavalryman for the entire distance in which he could trot or even gallop his horse, thus rendering escape very limited. As an infantryman can advance but at a rate of 109 yards per minute at double quick, an ensconced soldier armed with this rifle could carefully take aim and fire at his enemy at a rate of one shot for every two steps taken by him, thus firing fifty shots before his enemies arrive at nine yards in his front. With this rifle, no cartridge box was necessary; the weight of the rifle was not excessive. Handled by a man accustomed to the rifle, it can be fired at a rate of FIFTY SHOTS IN NINETEEN SECONDS! A new magazine could be inserted in a very brief time. This experimental prototype rifle was tested in trials for four years during which time 38,000 rounds were fired without failure. A truly unique and historic American weapon.