Sam, the patent date you gave for March 20, 1888, is that supposed to be March 20, 1883, Patent #274,435 would be for Breech-loading mechanism, joint and ejector system. Patent date 7.13.86 Patent #345,362 Lock mechanism for concealed hammer guns. You might have to look close at the side plates there should be ducks in a circle on one side and quail in a circle on the other side. If like John H said an ejector gun, there should either be a metal circle on the fore end or a banjo shaped metal that you roll to take the fore end off. If it's the later there should be a patent date of May 28, 1901 on the fore end iron. Also if you or someone take it apart make sure they open the gun and re-cock it or else it will be very hard to put the fore end back on. Post some pictures if you can.