Manufactured circa 1835 to 1850, these revolving rifles were commonly called Billinghurst rifles because William Billinghurst was the most prolific and well known maker of the rifles. At least 15 Gunsmiths made the revolving rifle under the Miller patent and it's estimated that only a few hundred were produced. The rifle operates with a pill lock ignition. Very tiny pills containing the fulminate are retained in small receptacles in the cylinder by use of bees wax. The seven shot cylinder is rotated manually by releasing the latch located in front of the cylinder. The cylinder is serrated for easier grip. There are no visible markings on the rifle and the upper tang and lock plate have light floral leaf pattern engraving. Brass blade front and replacement fixed iron rear sights, half solid under barrel rib and wooden ramrod with brass head. The rifle has a walnut forearm with a pewter cap and straight grip stock with a brass trigger guard and buttplate.

Fair. The barrel has a brown patina with heavy pitting. The original rear sight slot has been filled with copper and the area around it heavily cleaned. The cylinder shows some minor pitting. The trigger guard and buttplate have an aged patina. The stock has been sanded and refinished and there are scattered overall minor dents and dings. The forearm is a replacement. The hammer action is weak, however the mechanics are fine. Purchased from Mitch Luksich in 1996 and part of the Will Hoffeld Collection.