Hi Argo,
7869 certainly looks a similar gun to my 2008. It will be interesting to see the barrel proof marks.
3514 has similar looking standing breech and fences to 2008. The large trigger guard looks earlier than 1850's? but may have been ordered that way of course (big fingers/ gloves?). Is the case original to the gun?
If only more early guns would surface for comparison, it would then rule out the nagging thought in my head that 2008 was rebarreled and it was is infact an earlier gun than its current barrels would suggest. Until then, i agree that the date of 1856 has got to be right and have to accept that J C R guns sometimes had an irregular numbering system.
I will place a post on the MLAGB (Muzzle loaders association of Great Britain) forum to see if any members have early guns and would like to share the info for your database.
Wootang