WHITNEY-HOWARD LEVER ACTION "HOWARD THUNDERBOLT" RIFLE Description
.44 rimfire cal., single shot, breech loading, 24 in. standard barrel (additional barrel lengths vary from 22 to 28 in.), four significant marking variations of "MANUF'D FOR HOWARD BROTHERS", or "HOWARD'S PATENTS" with date and "WHITNEY ARMS CO. WHITNEYVILLE, CONN.", blade front sight, folding single leaf rear sight, blued finish, black walnut stock with varnish finish and checkering on wrist, may have double set triggers. Mfg. circa 1866-1870. RF=4.
There are very limited U.S. Contract Rifle-Musket specimens with 29 in. barrel and fitted bayonet that have been known to exist.