GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
SUPERB SEVEN SHOT WILLIAM BILLINGHURST REVOLVING RIFLE. BILLINGHURST REVOLVING RIFLE NSN 40 Cal. 40. 24" bbl. 7-shot pill lock converted to percussion revolving rifle with 2-pc walnut stocks and ornately engraved back action percussion lock. Windage adjustable blade front sight with semi-Buckhorn rear sight mounted in bbl. William Billinghurst, of Rochester NY, was famed for his revolving rifles as well as the development of the modern fishing reel. His firearms production was known from 1834 through 1838. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall as bbl and receiver are a fine plum brown. Action and lock function properly. A small amount of engraving on upper tang of rifle and matching engraving on lock are quite nice and are done in a Germanic influenced pattern. Traditionally having had a tang sight, as with many of these rifles, as young eyes become old eyes, the sight was moved forward to a barrel position for the shooter's comfort. Walnut stocks are very fine with only minimal material loss at tang and key way for holding the forearm im place. The hickory wiping rod appears to be of a more contemporary period. An exceptionally fine example of a very rare American rifle. 50422-2 TDW (5,000-8,000)