This is a scarce example of a Roper revolving shotgun that was produced at Hartford, Connecticut, from 1869 to 1876 by the Roper Sporting Arms Company with case and accessories. Matching serial number marked on the barrel, frame, forearm and cartridge carrier. The hinged dust cover on this shotgun is stamped "ROPER SPORTING ARMS CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. / PAT. APR. 10, 1866. JULY 14, 1868". This shotgun used special steel cartridges. The four shot carriers (consisting of a series of fins) are enclosed within a large round housing with a hinged loading gate on top. The hammer pulled the sliding breechblock to the rear, removing the fired case from the barrel, then revolving the cloverleaf carrier; when the trigger was pulled, pushed the next cartridge into the barrel and firing it. The barrel was blue. Frame, trigger guard, and housing were casehardened. Bead front sight and choke threaded on the muzzle of the barrel. Smooth forearm with pewter forend cap and straight grip stock with a steel shotgun butt. Complete with a hardwood full length case. Included are the following accessories: key, wooden cleaning rod, James Dixon & Sons brass powder flask with embossed dogs and hunter scene, 8 empty Roper shotgun shell cases, 12 loaded Roper shotgun shells in a wooden shotgun shell block with a Roper paper label, box of Winchester 12 gauge wads, 2 unmarked tins filled with wads, 5 assorted tools, 2 Union Metallic Cartridge Company primer tins (one with primers, the other empty), period leather shotgun shell belt, powder canister, and Leroy Shot & Lead Manufacturing Company bag with shot.

Fine. The shotgun retains approximately 40% original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. The housing and frame retain approximately 40% "soft" original case colors mixed with a smooth gray patina. The buttplate has a smooth gray patina. The wood is excellent with some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. The case is fine with numerous minor dings and scratches. Overall the accessories are very good or better. The flask has a smooth aged patina with some minor dents. The shotgun shell block has a soiled but legible and complete label. The belt is very fine with some minor age cracking. The stitching is tight.