This is a rare cutaway demonstrator model of a Lee single shot breech loading rifle action. A version of this action known as Lee #61 was one of two Lee actions tested in the 1872-73 trials conducted by the U.S. Office of the Board on Breech Loading Small Arms. In 50-70 caliber #61 was the first action that used a forward shoving motion of the hammer to open the action, extract and eject the cartridge. Pulling the hammer back locks and cocks the action. When the hammer is pushed forward the breechblock drops to eject the fired cartridge and allow for reloading. The action passed safety tests, but failed the supplemental tests. The 1872-1873 trials report published by the Office of the Board on Breech Loading Small Arms is included in this lot. This action offered in this lot was covered under patent #122,772 (January 16, 1872) with design features also covered in patent #160,919 (March 16, 1875) and possibly patent #193,821 (August 7, 1877). This action design would be used in the development of the Lee Model 1875 which Remington bought the rights. Remington also paid a royalty and $3,000 yearly salary to Lee when they acquired the action. Lee continued his work with Remington to develop a recessed primer to reduce the chance of setting off primers in a tube magazine and to refine the hammer operated single shot action. This demonstrator model action has an overall length of 6 5/8 inches and 2 inch octagon barrel and is mounted on a steel slab measuring 1/4 inch thick. There are no markings. Included is a copy of Gene Myszkowski's article Model 1875 Springfield Lee Vertical Action that was featured in the February 2006 issue of Man at Arms.

Good. The metal surfaces have a mottled brown-gray patina with some light pitting.