Rare Civil War Greene Bolt Action Underhammer Percussion Rifle

Greene Bolt-Action Percussion Rifle

Sad to have to sell this one. Manufactured 1859-1860, a truly landmark arm. The Greene rifle was the first bolt-action system adopted by the U.S. Army—likely inspired by the German 1841 Dreyse Needle-Fire Rifle. The design proved ahead of its time, and the U.S. would not pursue another bolt-action for decades.

It features an under-hammer ahead of the trigger guard with a machined ring for easy cocking. Its unusual loading system required two bullets: the first served as a gas seal, the second as the projectile. After firing, the remaining bullet was pushed into the bore, followed by powder and a new gas-seal bullet.

The rifle also used oval rifling, produced on machinery Greene purchased from Charles Lancaster of London. All U.S. examples were manufactured by A. H. Waters of Millbury, Massachusetts. 

Production totaled 1,500 for the American market, but the U.S. military purchased only 900. An additional 3,000 were made for an export contract to Imperial Russia, though no Russian examples are known today. As a result, the Greene is both a milestone in U.S. arms development and one of the rarest Civil War-era rifles.

This example is mechanically complete and functions great. The bolt is easily removable and marked serial number 3005. The bore rates very good: bright, shiny, with strong rifling. Metal retains worn original bluing, fading to brown in places.  Case hardening visible on the hammer. The stock shows original finish with typical scratches dings and dents. Retains its original ramrod and sling swivels. Overall very nice condition for being 165 years old!

Extremely rare, with only 4,500 produced. An excellent museum grade rifle for the advanced collector.

Antique status, shipping on buyers dime.  Open to reasonable offers.