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A copy of the patent document with some of the writing retraced is also included, and
one of those copies was used in the American Society of Arms Collector articles. Also included
is a February 27, 1836, dated note signed by James Millar stating he had received payment from Richard E. Colt
on a debt and would have the note canceled. Richard E. Colt appears to be of no relation to Samuel Colt. A businessman by
that name was active in Ohio across Lake Erie from the Millar family and had sold property to James Millar. A copy of The Canadian Journal of Arms Collection Vol. 9 No. 3 with Miller Patent Rifles on the cover and containg the article “J. & J. Millar, Makers of Fine Revolving Firearms, Rochester, N.Y.” by James B. Smith is also included.
This historic rifle is the first type or “First Model” with the patented cap at the front of the magazine which would contain a washer to limit gas leak and multiple
discharges and the topstrap or “cylinder bridge strap” secured to the breech end of the barrel using two screws. Bates estimated “only a handful of 1st model guns were manufactured.” Later “Second Model” variations are the most common; they dispensed with the top strap and front cover which could have been dangerous in a chainfire. The
rare “Third Models” are basically the same but use percussion caps rather than pill primers. This early has “J Millar Rochester” inscribed in script on top of the barrel at the muzzle. Flayderman notes that the Millar/Miller marked rifles are rarer than those by Billinghurst and thus more desirable, and, as discussed above, this is one of only two known to Millar rifle experts with this marking. A second example is shown in Figure 8 of Smith’s article and is stamped in two lines rather than inscribed. It is unclear if these “J. Millar” rifles are perhaps from John Miller Jr.’s shop after James Millar moved to Michigan, or if the marking refers to just James Millar as the patentee. “J. & J. Miller” markings are more common, but all Millar/Miller marked examples are comparably rare. There are also more traditional rifles with their markings. The barrel has seven-groove rifling, a small post front sight, and a notch rear sight. The front cover for the cylinder has a small hole to the left and right of the breech end of the barrel and is otherwise solid. Along the bottom it has the distinctive sliding catch used on the Millar rifles to lock the cylinder in alignment with the barrel. This example is designed to be loaded through the barrel like a traditional muzzleloader. The cylinder has seven chambers fired using pill primers. The top strap is neatly inscribed “Patent.” The lock and frame have scroll and floral engraving. The hickory ramrod has a 5 1/4 inch metal front section with an extension that unscrews to extend and then screws in place in the extended position. Bates indicated this rare rod design has been found on at least three of the 1st Models. The forward ramrod pipes are iron and fitted to the barrel rib. The rear ramrod pipe, trigger guard, buttplate, and toe plate are brass. The latter has a long rectangular compartment. The forearm tip is horn, and the wedge and wrist escutcheons along with the inlays on the dual cheekpieces are silver. There is an unclear marking stamped on the buttstock behind the trigger guard tang.
CONDITION: Very good with mostly an even, untouched brown patina overall on the iron, some mild oxidation and pitting, aged patinas on the silver and brass, crisp markings and engraving, broken
mainspring and striker pin on the face of the hammer, and generally moderate and and
storage related wear overall. The toeplate compartment lid does not stay closed. The
wood is also very good with a chip at the upper rear corner of the forearm, small crack at the opposite corner, mild dings and scratches, some finish loss from cleaning on the buttstock which retains some nice figure, cracks and
repairs by the lock and upper tang, and general mild
overall wear. The patent document has fading to the hand written portions and some staining and crease marks and is very good overall. The signatures, particularly President Andrew Jackson’s, remain distinct. The frame has minor age and storage related wear. This is a possibly once-in- a-lifetime opportunity to add the original “Miller Patent” document and the rifle identified as James Millar’s own to your collection. Both were owned by the
Millar family for many years.
Provenance: The Millar Family; Property of a Gentleman
Estimate: 7,500 - 15,000
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