George P. Foster of Taunton, Massachusetts, manufactured these Porter patent turret rifles in the 1850s, showcasing a number of impressive features. They are in essence lever action revolving rifles featuring vertically oriented turrets. This example exhibits some "Third Model" features of Parry W. Porter's distinctive turret rifles in that it has percussion nipples on the cylinder and an angular side hammer, reportedly seen in the 680-1225 serial number range (per 9th Edition Flayderman's Guide, 15-017). It differs from Flayderman's definition of a "Third Model" in that it has a loading lever. Features blade and notch sights offset to the left to clear the turret, no visible address or patent markings, matching serial number "1037" marked on various components including the removable cylinder, and a smooth straight wrist buttstock. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Good with mostly artificial brown patina, some patches of mild oxidation and light pitting. Stock is good as revarnished, with some areas of filler visible, and numerous scattered dents and scratches. Mechanically fine.