This is an example of a Roper revolving shotgun that was produced at Hartford, Connecticut, from 1869 to 1876 by the Roper Sporting Arms Company. Matching serial number marked on the barrel and frame under the forearm. 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.

Fair. The barrel has a mottled dove gray patina with some minor pitting at the muzzle. The housing has a smooth dark patina and a mottled gray patina on the frame. There is some minor pitting on the housing. There are a few filled repairs near the upper tang, otherwise the wood is very good with some minor dings and scratches. Slightly loose at the frame and housing juncture, but mechanically functions. The markings are clear.