Marked "J.W. COCHRAN. N.Y." at the rear of the barrel. John Webster Cochran held many patents on guns of various types from pistols to cannons. This rifle was patented by him on march 17, 1868, #75627. This rifle was submitted to the 1872 trials but was not tested as it had a number of non-acceptable features including the sights. The piece on top of the action that looks like an overly large rear sight is actually a bolt handle. It is rotated to the left to unlock the action, after which it can be slid to the rear. It also acts as a rear sight. A spring on the right side of the action holds the bolt cover in place when it is closed. The extractor slides in a groove in the bottom of the action, pivoting to eject the cartridge when the bolt reaches its rearward position. The reason for the odd shape of the forearm is not known and the lack of a ramrod doomed it at the trials. The barrel band is also odd. It does not surround the barrel but is merely used as a support for the screws that go through it into the barrel.

Fine with 85% blue mixed with scattered light pitting. The stock shows little use. The action is fine. PROVENANCE Edwards