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LOT 3240
W.H. Boss Marked Miller Patent/Billinghurst Type Percussion
Revolving Rifle - NSN, 50 cal., 29 1/4 inch part octagon bbl., brown finish,
walnut stock. These distinctive American revolving rifles were manufactured c. 1835 to 1850 by several
gunmakers based on the designs of John and James Miller, and are commonly referred to as Billinghurst
rifles as that was the most well known and prolific maker of them. The cylinder functions through manual rotation by
hand. Nearly all of the Miller revolving rifles were made as pill-lock, and some were converted in the period to use percussion
caps, like this example. The lock is marked “W.H.BOSS” at the tail and has floral scroll pattern engraving. The part octagon barrel is
unmarked and has a dovetailed blade front sight and adjustable notch rear sight, with an empty dovetailed slot ahead of the rear sight. A
flip-up peep sight is mounted on the upper tang. Ramrod mounted on the bottom of the barrel, figured walnut forend with German silver cap and ramrod
guide, and figured walnut buttstock with German silver furniture including the patchbox door which has a release button located on top.
CONDITION: Good, exhibiting a mix of artificial gray and brown patina with a few patches of minor pitting. The German silver fittings exhibit an attractive bright
patina, with the tail of the lower tang slightly above the wood line. There is an extra empty removed circular section between two of the percussion nipples on
the cylinder. Wood is also very good as revarnished, with a repaired split visible in the wrist area showing some open cracks (structurally sound), and defined edges.
Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 3239
Extremely Rare Engraved John Wurfflein & Psotta, Philadelphia Revolving Percussion Rifle - NSN, 44 cal., 27 1/2 inch octagon bbl., brown/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. This novel revolving rifle was manufactured by John Wurfflein Jr. and Frederick Psotta during their brief partnership, with
newspaper advertisements for their shop at 98 South Third Street in Philadelphia known as early as June of 1850. After 1857, Frederick Psotta reportedly relocated to California
where he was employed by A.J. Plate in San Francisco. This is the only example like it we have had the opportunity to sell here at Rock Island Auction Company. Another identical
example (possibly this exact gun although unconfirmed) is photographed in the article “The Wurffleins of Philadelphia:
Artisans at the End of an Era” by Ronelle Willadsenon (page 20, American Society of Arms Collectors 1998 bulletin number
79). Flayderman’s Guide (9th Edition, item 15-031) indicates the total quantity of these revolving rifles made is “unknown;
likely less than 20” and also shows a photograph of what is possibly this exact gun offered. The centrally located lever
operates the rotation of the cylinder and also cocks the internal hammer. After pulling the trigger between shots, a small
button located on the right sideplate must be pressed in order to allow the cylinder to rotate again. The barrel and cylinder
cover assembly are retained with two German silver wedges, and when the wedges are removed it is allowed to slide
forward for removal, which then allows access for removal of the 8-shot percussion cylinder for loading. The barrel has a dovetailed
German silver blade front sight, fixed notch rear sight, “J.WURFFLEIN & PSOTTA PHILADA” marked on top of the breech section of the barrel and on
both of the frame sideplates. Flourishes of fine floral scroll engraving at the breech, top of the frame, and on the German silver fittings, with a bestial
face on the patchbox plate. The walnut stock has a nicely shaped cheekpiece.
CONDITION: Very good, exhibiting mostly smooth brown patina, with some faint traces of original case colors on the frame and sideplates, scattered patches of mild oxidation and
some minor pitting, and crisp engraving. The German silver fittings exhibit an attractive bright appearance. Stock is also very good, with a non-structural crack visible at the upper right
of the wrist, some scattered light scratches and dents, and defined edges. Small empty slot ahead of an empty threaded hole on top of the frame where a peep sight likely once resided.
Mechanically fine. This John Wurfflein & Psotta, Philadelphia revolving rifle would make a fine addition to any advanced antique American firearms collection!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
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