James Millar patented this system in 1829, and brothers James and John Millar (also commonly spelled Miller as seen on this rifle) manufactured them in Rochester, New York, in the 1830s. Nearly all of the Miller revolving rifles were made as pill-lock, and some were converted in the period to use percussion caps. This rifle on the other hand is an original Miller percussion revolving rifle given the different shape of the cylinder, the tiny percussion nipples, and the slot on the top strap for clearance of the nipples. A small switch at the bottom releases the cylinder for manual rotation and then locks it into place. This early version has the solid cap at the front of the cylinder rather than the design with holes or the later version without a cap. The top flat on the barrel has the early style "J. & J. Miller. Rochester" marking in Gothic script and has a dovetailed notch rear sight. A tiny silver blade front sight is fitted near the muzzle. The top strap is inscribed "PATENT". The action components have floral, border, scroll, and burst engraving of very high quality. The back action lock has "1836" among the designs, a noteworthy year in revolving firearms history given Colt's patent. The hammer has a bestial head design. The forearm has a horn cap and silver wedge escutcheons. The figured buttstock has a small blank gold initial escutcheon on the wrist, a crescent buttplate with burst and patriotic shield designs, and a toeplate with a stylized pineapple finial. The stock just to the rear of the trigger guard finial has a black marking that appears to be three characters.

Very good with bright gold, light aged patina on the silver, mostly dark gray and brown patina on the iron overall, mild pitting concentrated on and around the re-engraved cylinder (parallel lines are all recut), distinct markings on the metal, mostly crisp engraving, and generally mild overall wear. The re-oiled wood is fine and has a minor chip below the lock, a crack on the left side of the forearm, minor scrapes and dings, and attractive figure on the butt. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive and rare early Miller revolving rifle.