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LOT 1106
A.S. Sizer Marked Miller Patent/Billinghurst Type Percussion Revolving
Rifle - NSN, 38 cal., 28 1/8 inch part octagon bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
These distinctive American revolving rifles were manufactured c.
1835 to the 1850s by several gunmakers based on the designs of
John and James Miller and are commonly referred to as Billinghurst
rifles as he 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 made
or converted for use with percussion caps. The part octagon barrel
is marked “A.S. SIZER” on top of the breech area and has a blade front sight and
elevation adjustable notch rear sight. The rifle has a 9-shot revolving cylinder with
knurling, a bottom mounted spring loaded latch ahead of the cylinder to free it for
rotation, and a back action lock.
CONDITION: Good, with antiqued brown and gray patina, scattered pitting, and a legible barrel marking. Wood is
also good as sanded and re-oiled, with a few small cracks on bottom of the forearm, a minor chip directly behind the
upper tang, and defined edges. There is an obstruction in one of the chambers, otherwise mechanically functions.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 1105
Engraved Miller Patent/Billinghurst Type Pill-Lock Revolving
Rifle - NSN, 45 cal., 31 5/8 inch part octagon bbl., brown/casehardened 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 he was the most well known and prolific maker of them.
The cylinder functions through manual rotation by hand. The octagon
barrel has a spot where a front sight once resided, dovetailed
adjustable notch rear sight, and partially legible maker markings on
top that appear to end with a Rochester, NY address. Features floral
engraving on the frame, lock, hammer, and some of the fittings.
CONDITION: Very good with smooth brown and gray patina, antiqued blue finish on the repaired
hammer, some scattered light freckling and wear, and defined engraving. Wood is good as sanded and
re-oiled with one absent wedge plate on the right of the forearm and some cracks, scratches and dents.
Mechanically functions.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1104
Miller Patent/Billinghurst Type Pill-Lock Revolving Rifle by
Benjamin Bigelow of Marysville, California - NSN, 40 cal., 33 1/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/
casehardened 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 he was the most well
known and prolific maker of them. This rifle was manufactured by
Benjamin Bigelow of Marysville, California. The cylinder functions
through manual rotation by hand. The octagon barrel has a
dovetailed blade front sight and dovetailed buckhorn notch rear sight and is
maker marked “B. BIGELOW. MARYSVILLE. CAL” on top.
CONDITION: Very good overall, with smooth brown patina, some scattered patches of mild
oxidation, wood with some scattered light dents and scratches, a few small cracks at some of the
edges, and defined edges. Mechanically functions.
Provenance: The Hugh Hayes Collection; Private Collection.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
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