This mid-19th century repeating rifle is one of the most unusual and impressive firearms ever created, based on Thomas W.G. Treeby's patent no.1552 from July 11, 1855. A very important and desirable gun, it is essentially an early (likely the first) belt fed firearm design. In place of a revolving cylinder, the gun utilizes a series of individual chambers linked together like a chain for a total of fourteen shots. To ready the next shot, the shooter rotates the handle on the breech which turns the barrel and moves it forward freeing the mouth of the chamber which is chamfered to make a nice fit and gas seal. Then, they cock the hammer which simultaneously moves the next shot into position. The hammer is connected to a long striker. Then, the shooter rotates the breech handle back to the left closing the barrel over the mouth of the chamber. The whole sequence can be done very quickly. Only a relatively small number of these interesting "chain rifles" were manufactured (likely four). The Royal Armouries in the U.K. has an example and notes that three are known to survive. The NRA Museum also has one shown and notes three survive. This rifle is unquestionably and by far, the finest of those known to exist. It is perhaps one of two remaining in private hands and also the only known cased example, accompanied with its original accessories. This commercial example would have been manufactured c. 1855-1860 and has a flash shield screwed on the left side plate of the action partially covering the "T.W.G. TREEBY/PATENT No 1552/LONDON" marking. The barrel has a bead style blade front sight and a military Pattern 1853 rifle style notch and ladder rear sight. The barrel and chambers have London proofmarks. The bottom of the barrel is marked with a small "1" and a larger "291" that is partially struck over another number in uneven numerals. One of the chambers is marked "20," and the back of the breech plate is marked "291." The action, trigger guard, and buttplate have classic English engraving. The stock has a checkered wrist. The silver wrist escutcheon is inscribed "Dr.G.F.D.E./MD/B.V.R./No. 1 Compy." The included case has "Dr. G.F.D.E. M.D./B.V.R. No. 1. Compy." painted on the front and lid. The inside has an original Treeby trade label and contains a variety of accessories, including a flask, conical bullet mold, cap tin, and more. The markings on the gun and case indicate this fascinating repeating rifle was owned by a doctor serving in a volunteer rifle company. Dr. Griffith Francis Dorsett Evans (1790-1871) was a member of the Bedfordshire Volunteer Rifles, 1st Company and appears on the War Office's Army List in 1861. The doctor clearly owned an innovative rifle and intended to use it in defense of his country should the need arise. The Treeby is featured in two YouTube videos that can be easily accessed on the net.

Very fine condition showing little use with 75% original blue finish remaining on the action and chambers, some traces of original finish elsewhere, and otherwise smooth gray and brown patina on most of the balance. The engraving and markings remain crisp. The stock is very good and has little wear and a crack in the top of the wrist, crisp checkering, an old coat of varnish, and some general scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. Case very good with moth and insect damage to interior lining, accessories very good to fine. This is an incredible scarce example of a very innovative and distinctive British revolving rifle design. It is a rare chance to own what is likely the finest Treeby "Chain Rifle" extant!