The Soper rifle is one of the most interesting British firearms from the late 19th Century. It was patented by William Soper of Reading. He claimed his rifle was rejected by the Special Committee on Breechloading Rifles in 1868 because it arrived one day late. Other sources indicate that the rifle was rejected due to its complex design and the War Office's preference for the Martini-Henry system. The Soper system is capable of very rapid fire compared to other period single shot breech loaders. Some have reported rates of fire of 54 shots in a minute at 200 yard targets. The rifle is operated by a lever fixed to the right side of the action that can be thumb operated with minimal disturbance to the shooter’s position. The action requires surprisingly little effort to operate. The lever opens the breech and cocks the hammer simultaneously and additional pressure activates the extractor. Once the breech is closed and the hammer is cocked, a safety mechanism prevents the breech from opening. In order to open the loaded chamber, the user must press a lever on the right side above the trigger. It is fitted with blade and folding ladder sights graduated to 1,200 yards and a walnut stock secured by two barrel bands with a forend cap and flat buttplate. The right side of the barrel at the breech is marked with three English proofs. The top of the breech mechanism is marked "672" and "W. SOPER'S" followed by a "crown/V" proof and then "PATENT." The underside of the breechblock has the matching serial number, and the left side of the buttstock has the inventory number "1909-56" painted prominently in white. A slotted cleaning rod and saber bayonet numbered "394" and marked with British proofs, and a "Co., 1929" marked scabbard are included.