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. The part octagon barrel of this rifle is marked "P. SMITH/BUFFALO" on top and has a dovetailed blade front sight and adjustable notch rear sight. Patrick Smith of Buffalo, New York, was a gunmaker and retailer active between c. 1835-1881. His shop produced a wide variety of muzzleloading firearms. Replacement ramrod mounted on the bottom of the barrel, walnut forend with classic pewter cap and German silver wedge plates, and walnut buttstock with checkered wrist and iron furniture. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Good, with smooth gray and brown patina, scattered freckling and light pitting. Chipped absent edge on the head of the wedge. Replacement ramrod guides, replacement ramrod. Wood is very good, with numerous scattered dents and scratches, non-structural hairline cracks visible at the bottom front and left front half of the forearm, and defined checkering and edges. Empty hole on top of the upper tang where a peep sight likely once resided. The hammer does not remain in the cocked position, mechanically needs work.