A .55 GREENE'S PATENT BRITISH ISSUE CAPPING BREECH-LOADING CARBINE SIGNED MASSACHUSETTS ARMS CO., serial no. 221, dated for 1856, with tapering round 18in. barrel, dove-tailed block and blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, central section of outer barrel faceted for grip, plain receiver, long plain top-tang marked 'GREENE'S PATENT JUNE 27 1854', back-action lockplate fitted with Maynard's tape priming system and marked 'MASS. ARMS CO. CHICOPEE FALLS USA 1856', a 'VR' crown cypher and 'MAYNARD'S PATENT SEPT 22 1845', plain hammer, walnut butt-stock with iron patch-box and semi-crescent heel-plate, saddle-ring to the trigger-guard tang, large trigger-guard bow with two triggers, the front unlocking the barrel for loading, ordnance stamps, and no provision for fore-end, fair amount of finish remaining.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.