This volley rifle (sometimes referred to as a "Goose Gun") was built in the late 19th century with a barrel that has seven separate rifled bores and a large rolling block style action operated using the lever. When the hammer is cocked and the trigger pulled, the large firing pin strikes all seven cartridges at the same time leading to a powerful volley of seven bullets with a relatively tight grouping, reportedly three feet at 125 yards and obviously much tighter at closer ranges. The advantage of a gun like this compared to a shotgun would be that even as the group spread out, the bullets would retain more energy at longer range than shot. They were reportedly used for hunting waterfowl and were known as "Pieper's 7-Shot Mitrailleuse" in that late 1880s. They were rather expensive at around $70 (~$1,750 adjusted for inflation). This example is marked "HENRI PIEPER LIEGE" the rib, and has "LJ" and "460" on the bottom of the barrel. The rib is equipped with a beaded blade front sight and notch and folding leaf rear sight. Liege proofs are on the left and on the hammer and breechblock. The pistol grip stock and forearm are checkered. The action has light border engraving. The loading disk is absent.

Very fine with 95% plus blue finish, 85% plus case colors on the action, mostly bright hammer and breechblock, smooth gray and brown patina on the buttplate, and minor overall wear such as some light scratches and marks. The wood is also very fine and has some scrapes and dings in the otherwise crisp checkering and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.