Manufactured in 1859, this rifle was invented by General John Jacob. An officer of the British East India Company, Jacob commanded a cavalry regiment called the 36th Jacob's Horse and founded the town Jacobabad in 1847 (now a city in Pakistan). The rifle he invented fired an explosive shell designed to explode ammunition carts at long distances. The explosive loads that the rifle fired were marketed for use against large thick skinned game (i.e., rhinos and elephants), and references to the gun being used in the American Civil War have been made. One lead round is included inside the patch box. Lock plates marked "SWINBURN & SON/PATENT/1859." Patch box marked "JACOB'S RIFLES," which referred to a proposed regiment to be led by Jacob but never materialized. Behind the ladder rear sight, which is graduated to 2,000 yards, is a three leaf express sight graduated 1-3.

Very good, with a smooth brown-gray patina mixed with some minor pitting. The stock is fine with minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. An unusual European double rifle that we rarely encounter.