Possibly Unique Breech Loading Rifle by Charles Roth Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania C. 1875....

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Possibly Unique Breech Loading Rifle by Charles Roth Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania C. 1875. 46" overall with 29½" octagonal .32 cal. rifled barrel, 7/8" across the flats. Signed "C. Roth" in block letters on the top flat near the breech. The gun actually utilizes a US M1840 musket lock, D. Nippes/ Mill Creek/ Pa/ 1847, which has been reconfigured for use on this rifle. A "monkey tail" style lever opens the breech. as the barrel tips down at the metal joint just forward of the lock. There is a sliding extractor on the right side of the barrel breech. The custom hammer strikes a ball-like firing mechanism that activates a rimfire pin inside the breech. Generally seems to be quite fragile, but seems to function perfectly. Brass trigger guard and butt plate, pewter forend tip.
Condition: Good. The walnut stock is about mint with nice smooth patina. A fascinating gun with a seemingly very fragile mechanism that doubtless proved impractical for extensive use. Barrel retains most of the original brown finish, just some minor fading, wear on the edges of the flats.