I came across a side opener a lot like this one:
http://www.gunsinternational.com/American-Arms-Co-By-Fox-1878-SIDE-OPENER-.cfm?gun_id=100109113

Unfortunately, the barrels were a mess- heavily rusted on the outside- hard to tell how bad there were on the inside. I saw on the flats that the design was patented by Fox- does anyone have any more information on these guns? How many were made? What was Fox's relationship to the American Arms company?

I'm wondering if I should pick it up and see if it can be returned to its former glory as it was a very interesting gun.