This is a rare and desirable factory cutaway Bullard rifle, that is the only large frame rifle identified as a factory cutaway in G. Scott Jamieson's study "Bullard Arms" (see page 231). Traditionally, factory cutaways were manufactured to demonstrate the mechanism of the action and serve as both an educational tool and as a salesman's sample. Many cutaways were used in exhibitions. This one of a kind cutaway rifle of James Herbert Bullard's design work clearly shows the rack and pinion mechanism, very different in concept from the lever action designs of the period. Both sides of the action are skeletonized with webbing between the screws, thus showing the complete inner workings of the action. The action does cycle. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight and a ladder rear sight graduated from 2 to 12. The top of the chamber is marked "CAL/45." The left side of the receiver has the two-line address/patent information. The serial number is marked behind the hammer. Nickel plated with casehardened lever and breechblock, and blue dust cover and cartridge elevator. Mounted with a highly figured smooth walnut forearm and pistol grip stock fitted with a crescent buttplate. Provenance: The Ivan B. Hart Collection; The Robert M. Lee Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Excellent. The rifle retains 98% original nickel finish showing high edge wear on the buttplate and a few areas of minor flaking. The dust cover and cartridge elevator have a mottled brown patina with traces of original blue remaining. The lever and breechblock retain 40% original case colors. The wood is also excellent with some minor pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent.