DESCRIPTION: One of the kind English double magazine bolt action repeating experimental rifle designed by Bethel Burton. Caliber: .278. Between 1882 and 1886 a number of Bethel Burton experimental rifles were submitted to the English War Office for evaluation and testing. None of these rifles was accepted by the English military. This specimen features a rather unusual straight pull bolt action, with a bolt handle located under the receiver (!). The bolt handle travels back and forth between the two parts trigger guard. The trigger is located on the right side of the receiver assembly. Both sides of the receiver have magazines ports hidden behind the sliding gates. The magazines (not included) were fitted to the both sides of the receiver. English military style ramp and leaf rear sights with no calibration (not unusual for an experimental rifle). Steel barrel bands. Brass buttplate with a trap. Some kind of tool (empty case extractor?) is hidden in the buttstock compartment behind the buttplate. Walnut stocks. One sling swivel ( no sign that the second sling swivel was ever installed on the rifle). English type bayonet lug on the right side of the front barrel band. The receiver and barrel display a couple of English commercial proof marks. The right side of the buttstock displays two markings, "Flaming Grenade" and "Two Crossed Cannons and a Circle". The left side of the buttstock displays, "WB" (in a rectangular). The buttplate displays a number, "A1222". Overall length of the rifle is 52.25 inches. Barrel length: 32 inch. Complete with a cleaning rod. This is the only example of Bethel Burton experimental rifle in this particular configuration that I have ever seen. CONDITION: Low excellent. The rifle has about 95-96% of original blue finish, turning to brownish color in some places. Most of the finish wear is on barrel bands. Smooth stocks in original finish, with some wear and occasional handling marks. The right/rear side of the forestock has a chip. The left/rear side of the forestock has a crack (please, see pictures). All the markings and stamps are clearly visible on both, metal and wood. Bore is in fine condition with strong rifling. Mechanically, the rifle is in excellent condition with crisp, strong action. The rifle seems to be in all original condition with no alterations. Very scarce English experimental Burton bolt action repeating rifle!
