Rare toy rifle was patented in 1902, shortly after Theodore Roosevelt assumed the presidency following McKinley's assassination. 24" long rifle has wooden stock with uniformly dark finish. The rest of the rifle is metal and was likely once in silver flashing but now is a spotted dark gray with minor oxidation. Stamped in large bold letters in one side of chamber is "Rough Rider Teddy's Pom Pom". Opposite side smaller type reads "Toy Gun Mfg. Co. Chicago Patent Allowed". Spring-loaded hammer pulls back to cock and when released by trigger pull, rifle produces a loud "pop." Barrel front flares out to hold a ball (not included). We aren't sure how ball was fired because, while mechanism works, there is no air blast or moving part to propel the ball from the opening. 1.75" behind the barrel end is a .75" long narrow cut-out groove, as made but purpose unknown to us. Overall a VG example of a rare and working example early toy gun. The only other early character (or person) related toy rifle we know of is for Buffalo Bill, 1887.