This unusual design was premiered at the Exposition Universelle of 1855 in Paris by Liege gunsmith Victor Colette. The cartridges were similar to those used in the Volcanic pistols and were stored above the barrel. When the hammer is cocked, the breech slides up and a bullet is fed into the breech by tipping the muzzle up. The top of the open sided magazine has small blade and notch sights. This rare rifle from circa 1860 has a sliding safety, rocaille fashion engraved action and furniture, and a figured walnut buttstock with carving that coordinates with the engraving bordering the checkered grip.