cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/12491363

This 12-shot .40 caliber repeater was designed by Epenetus A. Bennett and Frederick P. Haviland...

The repeater required cranking a rotating disc on the underside of the receiver to advance the rotating rectangular chambers. Each brass chamber was loaded with powder and ball and capped individually.

Despite its many advances, this circa 1838 firearm relied on under-hammer ignition, a chancy proposition when dealing with percussion caps. Fewer than 10 examples were ever produced, making this a truly rare gun.

U.S. Patent No. 603