470Rigby,

They must not have made very many of the Automatics. The ad you posted is from 1882 and states that the design is 6 years old. I take that to imply that the patent date was in or around 1876. As I recall, the British patents were good for 14 years. Ergo my rifle would be at or near the end of the patent. It was only the 625th use of the patent.

I probably just put my foot in my mouth with this analysis. 400NE, what guidance can you give?

Best to all,
CptCurl