Rare First Model P.W. Porter Revolving Turret Rifle (AL7467)

This nine-shot first model percussion Porter revolving turret rifle is serial number 250. It is approx. .52 caliber. The 24” octagon barrel has a moderately oxidized bore. While Flayderman's shows these as approx. .44 caliber, the barrel is clearly .52 caliber on this example. It is possible that the larger calibers may have been military trials rifles. The barrel is marked near the breech Address/PW Porter/New York with the Porter patent information ahead of the marking. It is pinned to the frame with a single vertical pin. The hinged loading cover is numbered 250 while the frame is numbered 50, and the circular rotating charging turret is numbered 25, clearly all supposed to be 250. The metal surfaces are an overall brown patina, with oxidation staining and scattered spots of light pitting, a few minor scattered impact marks from the years with the lever showing more heavy pitting. The mechanism appears to function as-designed, including the rotary percussion cap feed beneath the sheet metal door. The loading gate catch is likely an antique replacement which functions very well. The straight grip American walnut stock is about very good as refinished years ago with a number of repaired cracks at the junction of stock and frame, with some synthetic wood in the area of the buttplate and the point of comb. It mounts to the frame slightly loose. Internally there may be one or two replaced parts but externally the gun has a wonderful authentic antique appearance. These guns were not popular as one cylinder of the turret is always aimed at the person firing the rifle! This is a good example of the rare Porter turret rifle for the collector of scarce American arms.