A GOOD .451 WHITWORTH PATENT PERCUSSION VOLUNTEER-STYLE THREE-BAND PRIZE-RIFLE, serial no. 976,

A GOOD .451 WHITWORTH PATENT PERCUSSION VOLUNTEER-STYLE THREE-BAND PRIZE-RIFLE, serial no. 976, circa 1860, with blued 33in. hexagonal bored round barrel signed 'WHITWORTH PATENT', block and dove-tailed blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, borderline engraved colour hardened breech-block and tang, borderline engraved colour hardened bar-action lock signed 'WHITWORTH' and with the wheatsheaf trademark over 'W' to the tail, sliding safe forwards of the colour hardened hammer, chequered walnut full-stock, the right side inlet with an iron hinged-lid patchbox, left side with a large brass vacant oval plaque for a presentation inscription, colour hardened iron furniture except three contrasting blued barrel-bands, iron ramrod and blued sling-swivel, the whole retaining the majority of its finish and colour and appearing lightly used.