This is an example of a earlier production Roper revolving shotgun that was manufactured at Hartford, Connecticut from 1869 to 1876 by the Roper Sporting Arms Company. The serial number is marked on the barrel and frame under the forearm. The muzzle is equipped with a threaded variable choke and there is a large iron bead front sight. This shotgun used special steel cartridges (included). The four shot carriers (consisting of a series of fins) are enclosed within a large round housing with a hinged loading gate on top which is marked "ROPER SPORTING ARMS CO./HARTFORD CONN/PAT. APR. 10, 1866, JULY 14, 1868.". The hammer pulls the sliding breechblock to the rear, removing the fired case from the barrel, then revolving the cloverleaf carrier; when the trigger was pulled, it pushes the next cartridge into the barrel firing it. The barrel was blue with the frame, trigger guard, and housing casehardened. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with pewter forend cap and checkered straight grip stock with a steel shotgun butt. Length of pull is 13 1/2 inches.

Good. The barrel has a smooth mottled brown patina. The cartridge housing, trigger guard and frame have a mix of smooth brown patina and silvered out case colors. The wood is about good with a large repaired break at the rear of the wrist which has three dowel pins visible. Otherwise there are some scattered minor dents and handling marks. The markings are clear. The mechanics are fine.