The gun is a Crescent Triumph, mfg'd 1895-1898. It is written that fewer than 750 were produced. This one is #762. The Triumph was based on patents issued to William Beesley and held by Charles Lancaster.
pix672236289 by
John Eurom, on Flickr
With the gun in the fired position, push top lever to the right. Barrels fall full open of their own weight. It sounds like the sears resetting on the hammers as it opens. Effort to close action is in the last third of closing and is not great as the main springs are compressed.
pix350433410 by
John Eurom, on Flickr
I can now check off another of the early American SxS models on my list.
John
