I got this from a question and answer chat somewhere:   
"Difference between the Remington and the Whitney Type I:
The Remington system has a Geiger Patent two part breech: a rotation breech block and a hammer/tumbler which locks the breech block in place.  The early Whitney is based on the Laidley Patent.  It has a four part system: a hammer part system: a hammer,  a separately rotating brace block (pivoted on the same pin as the hammer), a breech block, and a separately rotating lever (pivoted on the same pin as the breech block) which moves the brace block to unlock.  It's claim to fame is that the block was locked closed even with the hammer full cocked."  (Where as the Remington style, the block is not locked in place, until the trigger is pulled and the hammer block moves forward and under the breech block.  Thus an added safety feature in the early Whitney action.)

second page

Again, I recommend the article out of the The Single Shot Magazine on the first, improved and then the final change to the Remington style rolling block by Whitney.  Usually, they have extra copies in back stock, so call Lee Shaver and order a copy.  Great reading!
It will give some insight into why they used the rolling block design and the reasons for the changes to their rolling block rifles.

This is part of the article out of the Single Shot Exchange titled "The Other Rolling Block Rifles" by William Roth Jr. dated June 2012.  (This is reference to the first sets of patent drawing above.)

"The redesigned Whitney Type I Rolling Block was actually more complicated that the original Laidley-Emery version. In addition to the original breech-block (C), locking cam (D), locking cam spring (E) and operating lever (C2) an additional forked lever (L) with tongue (P) was added; additionally, a third notch was added to the hammer.  The hammer notches are now: 1st deep notch is "safe"; 2nd deep notch is "half cock"; 3rd shallow notch is "full cock". The breech block cannot be opened unless the hammer is in either the half or full cock positions with the half cock position being the normal position.  I will not go through the entire patent description concerning the operation with the new forked lever (L); however, this change was apparently added to prevent accidental discharge while loading. According to available historical documentation an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 improved Type I rifles were made from 1871-1881."

This is what makes the above rifle a real find!!!  A great piece of history that he gets to hold and possibly shoot. 
I would really just like to borrow it for the weekend just to play with it. lol

Really want to thank William Roth, Jr. for writing the article, super piece of research, super reading and hats off to The Single Shot Exchange for publishing it.

Wow, you didn't say you had one too!  What caliber and a few photos I think are in order now, lol.   

Yes, when you get time and take it apart, give us a report to what you find.  But first try that half cock and see what happens.

Ok, I am idiot.  I guess I was just hoping we had another rifle to look at, lol.

Vall:  For what its worth I know there is a least one Whitney Laidley Long Range. It is pistol gripped with long range tang sight and a 32" half round barrel. 80% gun. Was originally a 44-77 and stamped but a 44-90 would chamber. Of course wind gage front sight. I know of this one because I owned it back in the early 80's. Sold it out of necessity because of wife. Perfect bore. A really nice gun that I should never have sold. Anyway its out there somewhere.
   Don