September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Manufactured in 1835-1850. .54 bore percussion, the barrel length is 29".These rifles are referred to as the Billinghurst type. Several gunsmiths made revolving rifles under the Miller patent and, as such, there is a considerable variation of makers but those manufactured by J&J Miller were the most prolific and well known of all. They operated out of Rochester, New York. It utilizes the pill lock ignition. Tiny pills containing fulminate are retained in small receptacles in the cylinder made of beeswax. This example sports percussion nipples on the cylinder as converted. Most of these type of rifles were converted as use of percussion caps became more common. John and James Miller held the patent for this system of revolving rifle. It is considered one of the earliest revolving arms patented in the Unites States. Specimens marked J&J Rochester on the barrel are of the highest quality. The condition of this rare gem is fantastic. The round to octagon barrel is a smooth pleasing soft patina with some minor age freckling and sharp edges and sports the standard leaf rear sight with small bead style front. The original ram rod appears to be ebony with a brass tip and three retainers. The stock is a perfectly fitted walnut with the strip pattern most often seen of Pennsylvania long rifles with the high gloss finish. The stocks are beautiful and near mint condition showing beautiful aged patina with no visible cracks. The forend has a brass forend tip and silver escutcheon with wedge to retain barrel. The cylinder has the fine lines with the bead border and the front spacing collar appears to be silver plated brass. All original nipples excellent and intact. Top of frame is stamped patent and features beautiful engraving along the tang which includes the screws. It has a lovely engraved side plate engraved 1830. The hammer has light engraving. This area has turned a soft gun metal gray. The cylinder is a soft brown patina. The trigger guard and lower tang is also engraved. The lower tang has flashes of brilliant original blue finish. The rifle butt stock features the full wrap around brass buttplate which is also engraved on top and bottom. Has a beautiful strong bore. One off the finest Billinghurst rifles to survive. It is a must have for collectors of early revolving rifle whose condition and rarity has no equal.