^Lot 28 Maynard's Patent Single Shot Model 1873 Rifle

Maynard's Patent Single Shot Model 1873 ''Improved Hunting or Target No. 9'' Rifle, #5888, .40-40 CF cal., 26'' octagonal-to-round blued barrel with dovetailed low blade front sight and open rear sight; case hardened steel receiver marked on left side ''Edward Maynard/Patentee/May 27, 1851/Dec 6, 1859'' in four lines, and ''Manufactured by/Mass. Arms Co. Chicopee Falls.'' on right; serpentine operating lever opens the breech; extended lower frame tang; rifle style buttplate. Condition is very good, the barrel retaining approx. 10% original blue mostly confined to the rear octagonal section, the rest a smooth blue-brown patina; receiver with silvered/darkened case hardening, missing tang peep sight, and with an old peened repair at left side of lever pin. Buttstock showing minor age/use wear but smooth and sound. Action is sure and smooth; the bore is dirty but with deep rifling and should clean up well. Est.: $750-$1,000. (Antique)