Very Rare Loaded Roper 41 Caliber Steel Rifle Cartridge Ammunition

This is an original .41 Caliber Roper rifle cartridge manufactured by Sylvester H. Roper of Amherst, Mass for his Revolving rifle patented on April 10, 1866 (Patent No. 53881).  The rugged steel cartridge was designed to be reloaded and were made in both .32 and .41 calibers for his 6 shot revolving rifle and in 12 & 16 Gauges for the four shot  revolving shotgun.  This example is in excellent condition with a flat nose bullet loaded flush with the cartridge top showing some minor carbon staining.  A very rare loaded cartridge for a very rare gun and testament of the great innovation present in the post-Civil War era gun industry.