John Broughton of New York designed this lever action rolling block single shot action in 1866 and received patent number 76,595 on for this design on April 14, 1868. Official records from the 1867 Paris Universal Exposition (World's Fair) indicate Broughton brought a model of this design (likely this very piece) to show to U.S. representatives and others. The design was subsequently submitted to the U.S. military's 1872 rifle trials along with two other rifles of Broughton's design. It is inscribed "John Broughton/New York./U.S.A./1866" on top at the breech. The construction is essentially all brass aside from the stubby forearm and stock. The barrel is smoothbore.

Fine with dark aged patina on most of the surfaces, some bright golden tones in protected areas, rough edges on the stock (original), and mild scratches, marks, and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a very rare chance to get your hands on a prototype/patent model of an ingenious early American breech loading rifle.