This unusual design was premiered at the Exposition Universelle of 1855 in Paris by Liege gunsmith Victor Colette. The cartridges were similar to those used in the Volcanic pistols and were stored above the barrel. When the hammer is cocked, the breech slides up and a bullet is fed into the breech by tipping the muzzle up. When the hammer is at full-cock, the breechblock falls into line with the barrel. The top of the open sided magazine has small blade and notch sights. The bottom of the barrel has "VC 1284," and the right side has Liege proofs. The frame has floral scroll engraving, and "Jongen Fres a Liege" is in a banner on the left. The grip has scroll carving and fluting. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr

Very good with gray and brown patina, areas of moderate pitting, mostly crisp engraving, legible markings, and moderate overall wear. The refinished stock is also very good and has smoothed carving, gaps at the back of the frame, edge wear, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.