Mike, Ford had an ejector patent #8841 of 1887,and a barrel cocking patent of 1888,The N481290 is,maybe,a use # and a damned high one if it is. I haven't found a patent by Ford for a self-opening action. Research into that may provide the answer. We've seen from previous discussion that whitworth labeled the underside of each of their tubes,on either side of the forend loop,but those have been consecutive #s. I wonder if other ironmongers numbered their tubes. When you get a hold of Ford please ask them and let us know. If you want pictures of the patents from Baker and Crudington"s book I'ld be happy to e-mail them to you.
Justin
