This experimental Green brothers patent breechloading centerfire rifle uses a bolt action system with a centrally located hammer at the rear for striking the firing pin. "GREEN BROTHERS./PATENT CENTRAL FIRE/No 5008." marked on top of the integrated sliding bolt dust cover. This rifle follows the workings described in British patent number 1794 dated April 28th, 1876 granted to C. E. Green and R. Green. Various British patents were granted to brothers C. E. Green, R. Green, and J. Green relating to similar bolt action breechloading firearms, including British patent number 2002 dated July 12th, 1862 for an earlier percussion variation, patent number 49 dated January 9th, 1871 which resembles this example visually although being an earlier variation in that it is intended for use with a side mounted hammer, and patent number 471 dated February 3rd, 1877 for what appears to be a slight improvement on this example. Fixed front and graduated ladder rear sight. "25" with London Crown proofs marked at the left of the breech end of the barrel. "REGISTERED/18th JANUARY/-1868-" marked in a circle on the rear trigger guard tang. A breechloading rifle such as this was very likely intended for military trials.

Very fine, retaining 75% plus original blue finish with some light thinning on the barrel, some scattered light flaking and smooth brown patina on top of the bolt dust cover, and some scattered areas of moderate surface corrosion. Stock is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some scattered light scratches and dents, a few pin-sized holes in the left of the buttstock likely from a display plaque, and some lines in the forend from display. Mechanically excellent. Absent front trigger guard screw.