According to consignor notes Morris Smith was granted patent number 814212 in March of 1906 for this gas operated prototype semi-automatic rifle and is possibly the last surviving workshop piece from possibly 7 hand built models made by Smith at his Cherry Street shop in Philadelphia, Pa. The rifle is 30 caliber and according to consignor notes made from available parts and unfinished, however the rifle appears to have been finished blue. Smith paid considerable attention to gas pressure relief on this prototype. There are eight holes drilled into the gas tube under the barrel and there are additional holes in the bolt for the same purpose. There is clear evidence that this rifle was the forerunner to the Standard Arms Model G rifle. The rifle is unmarked and features a dovetailed tall blade front sight, no rear sight (or provisions) and is mounted with a smooth varnished walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber grip cap and buttplate. Comes with copies of drawings of the rifle.

Good. The metal surfaces have a mottled dark grayish and brown patina with a small amount of minor pitting on the top of the barrel near the breech. The wood has been revarnished and remains good with a crack on each side of the forearm, repaired broken wrist and overall some scattered minor dents, dings and scuffs. The charger works, however the rifle does not cock.