The Cochran turret rifles were primarily manufactured by Cyrus B. Allen in Springfield, Massachusetts in the mid to late 1830s, with this well made example not bearing any manufacturer markings. It shows features of both the typical "Second Type" and "Third Type" Cochran rifles referenced in Flayderman's Guide (9th Edition Flayderman's Guide, 15-002 and 15-003), and has an enclosed trigger guard and a hammer that are both identical in shape to the Daniels patent revolving rifles subsequently manufactured by C.B. Allen, a hammer that engages the trigger at the front, and a 7-shot revolving turret cylinder. It features high quality floral scroll, border and animal panel scene engraving on the German silver patchbox and cheekpiece, scroll engraving on the top strap, frame, hammer and German silver fittings. The rifled barrel has a dovetailed German silver blade front sight and dovetailed notch rear sight. The hinged top strap is marked "COCHRANs/PATENT" in an oval border. Writer has never seen a Cochran Turret rifle even remotely approach the high level of engraving, silver inlaid mounting, or highly attractive design. The fact that is unserialized in and of itself is significant. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Very good, with mostly brown patina, applied blue casehardening showing on the frame, top strap and hammer, with some scattered patches of mild oxidation, and a few patches of light pitting. Wood is also very good, with some scattered light scratches and dents, some slight warping in the forearm, a small crack visible on top behind the top strap latch base, and small cracks at either side of the toe. Mechanically fine. This extraordinary exhibition engraved and silver mounted Cochran Turret rifle is possible the finest example extant!