Incorporating Cooper’s British Patent No. 131 of January 19, 1853, this fine example of an early capping breech-loader remains in remarkable original condition. With tapering browned octagonal damascus barrel with large blued blade front sight and rear sight of one standing notch sight and two folding leaves. Casehardened hinged breech block with blued rear locking lever engraved “J.R. COOPER’S PATENT/BREECH LOADING/No. 3”, engraved with a spray of foliage and with platinum plug. The locking lever pushes the breech block forward slightly to form a gas tight seal for firing. Casehardened lightly scroll engraved side lock signed “J.R. COOPER”. Figured walnut half-length stock with checkered grip and dark horn forearm cap. The wrist is inset with a blank rectangular silver initial escutcheon, and the forearm has two silver barrel key escutcheons. Iron furniture comprising blued trigger guard and buttplate each lightly engraved with scrollwork.

Fine. The barrel retains 97% original browned finish with slight age loss to the edges and the tang. The breech block and lock each retain 90% slightly faded original casehardened finish with crisp engraving. Furniture retains 15% original blued finish, the remainder a plum discolored patina. The stock is fine with distinct checkering, numerous marks, and a blackened patina to the butt which is crackled. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.