Original Italian Thumb Trigger 11mm Trials Rifle Serial 166 by Glisenti-Pieri of Brescia - Circa 1870 Russian Artillery There are also additional proof

There are also additional proof marks on the barrel and lock plate

A pointed pommel cap was included at the rear of the hilt

In the Coastal Forces of the Royal Navy

The bakelite grip scales show some wear from use

and has been sharpened several times

Original Italian Thumb Trigger 11mm Trials Rifle Serial 166 by Glisenti-Pieri of Brescia - Circa 1870 Russian Artillery There are also additional proofOriginal Item: One of a Kind. We have never seen one of these before, however it bears a serial number of 166 on both bolt and barrel, the receiver not being marked. "IN THE WHITE", never having any blue finish whatsoever rather indicates that this rifle was a factory made sample of this very rare ignition system utilizing a thumb trigger at the rear of the bolt and not beneath the action, making conventional trigger and trigger guard unnecessary.