UNUSUAL BREECH LOADING RIFLE.
Cal. 32 RF. SN 191. Unique little rifle, was built on a Holden open side rifle frame. This rifle has 23-7/8" oct bbl with five lands and grooves conventional rifling with left hand twist. It has a Lyman combination front sight and a 2-position ladder rear sight typical of Holden. It has almost the identical shape and contour of his better-known open side rifle with uncheckered wood, a heavy splinter forearm and straight stock with crescent steel buttplate and faceted tang. The top rear section of the receiver is mounted with a unique tang sight built of iron and horn. The hammer has an offset ear to accommodate this sight. The unique action functions when the hammer is at half cock and the iron and horn bolt handle on the right side is pulled to the rear. This causes the nickel-plated brass breechblock to pivot to the left exposing the chamber, reminiscent of a Martini breechloader laid on its side. If the bolt is pulled further to the rear it actuates the extractor. The lever holding the trigger has been permanently screwed to the bottom of the frame. Two screws and the orig hole plugged have replaced the orig bbl takedown pin. The bottom of the receiver has two holes for which there does not appear to be a purpose. Accompanied by a copy of a brief biography of C.B. Holden. Ex-Eldon Owens Collection.