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AUCTION ITEM
Premiere Firearms Auction (December 4, 5 & 6 2009)
Lot #: 1074
Estimated Price: $6,500 - $9,500
Rare French Guycot Chain Rifle
LOT SOLD
Serial #: 171 Manufacturer: Guycot
Model: Chain Type: Rifle
Gauge: 41 Catalog Page: 187
Barrel Length: 19 inch octagon Finish: blue
Grip: N/A Stock: walnut
Sell Date: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Condition Rating:  
Description: Manufactured circa 1878, this unusual and rare rifle features a chain housed in the frame and stock which holds 80 rounds of centerfire cartridges. The "endless chain" has carrying cups that hold the rounds. Once loaded the rifle can be fired as fast as the trigger can be pulled. The belt is revolved until a chamber (or cup) faces the barrel. At the same time a long firing pin is retracted. An inner barrel is drawn back through the heavy outer barrel until it covers the bullet end of the cartridge. When the long drag on the trigger end, the final pressure releases the needle like firing pin, which drives through a small opening in the base of the cup detonating the cartridge primer. The rifle fires a lead conical bullet which is hollowed out to accommodate the powder. The barrel is octagon and fits into a 2 7/8" round section that extends from the receiver. P. Gay, a French engineer and Mrs. H. Guenot, a French merchant secured British patent #187 in 1879, otherwise the origin of the Guycot remains a mystery and historical facts are sketchy. There are no markings on the rifle and it has a small brass cone front sight and a fixed notch rear sight mounted on the dust cover on top of the receiver. Decorative iron trigger guard, sling swivels on the barrel and stock, made without a forearm and fitted with a two piece straight grip stock with a slightly ill-fitting iron buttplate. The stock is made in two sections because it is hollow to accommodate the cartridge belt. The rifle comes with a copy of "The Gun Report" June 2007 which contains an article about the Guycot chain pistols and rifles.
Condition: Good. The metal surfaces have a mottled brown patina with moderate pitting on the breech end of the barrel, top of the receiver and upper tang. The stock has been freshened with a coat of varnish some time ago, is ill-fitting at the heel and toe, and remains good with some scattered minor dings and dents. The action needs work, it doesn't always cycle properly. A solid example of a rare French Guycot Chain rifle.
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