600 North & Skinner revolving rifles and shotguns are estimated to have been manufactured by North & Savage c. 1856-1859 based on designs patented by Henry S. North (son of famous U.S. martial arms contractor Simeon North) and Chauncey D. Skinner (a former Simeon North employee) patented on June 1, 1852 (patent no. 8,982). The shotguns are noted as making up a smaller portion of that already small number, and very, very few would have received fancy engraving. The shotgun is operate via a lever underneath the cylinder which rotates the cylinder and cocks the hammer allowing for rapid fire. The shotgun features a multi-stage octagon to hexagon to round barrel with a bead front sight, "H.S. NORTH, MIDDLETOWN, CONN" stamped on the top flat, "CAST-STEEL" on the upper right flat, and "PATENTED JUNE 12, 1852" on the upper left flat. A removable rammer engraved to match the action is fitted below the barrel. The action features extensive German-American style scroll engraving, a dog head among the scrollwork on the upper tang and a panel scene of a reposed buck on top. The engraving is very similar to the engraving seen on Colt's revolvers in the same period. The hammer, buttplate tang, and lever are also engraved in a matching fashion. The only visible number on the gun is inventory number "1391" stamped on the right side of the wrist. This marking was previously identified as from the famous U.S. Cartridge Company Collection, but the collection book only goes up to no. 713. Provenance: The Mark Aziz Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Fine with crisp engraving, distinct markings, a mix of 40% faded original blue finish and dark patina on the barrel, mostly silver-gray patina on the action, dark gray and brown patina on the cylinder, and minor oxidation/pitting. The stock is also fine and has some minor scuffs, dings, and scratches. Mechanically fine. This is an incredibly rare early American revolving firearm featuring beautiful engraving.