This is an example of a very early production Roper revolving shotgun that was manufactured in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1867 and 1868 by the Roper Repeating Rifle Company. The matching serial number is marked on the barrel and frame under the forearm. The top of the hinged loading gate is marked "ROPER REPEATING RIFLE CO/AMHERST. MASS/PATENTED. APRIL. 10 1866". These shotguns 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. The hammer pulls the sliding breechblock to the rear, removing the fired case from the barrel, then revolving the cloverleaf carrier; when the trigger is 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 crescent buttplate. Length of pull is 14 inches.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a mottled gray and brown patina with some minor pitting on the barrel. The buttplate has a dark patina with some minor pitting on the tang. The wood is good with some scattered minor scrapes, dents and scratches. The action needs work, as it is frozen. The markings are clear.