It is marked with an "R" and "HILLSDALE MI R.L. HUBBEL'S PATENT 1882" on the side of one of the six barrels. The gun is meant for use as a trap gun, likely for bears. The barb on the front would have been stuck into some bait and serves as the trigger. When an animal takes the bait, it pulls forward on the barb which drops the hammer onto the percussion nipple which ignites the charges in the barrels and quickly dispatches the animal by launching up to six .44 caliber bullets/balls into its face. It could have also been setup with a trip wire connected to the barb for use as an alarm or burglar trap. This is the only known example. No details on Hubbel or his patent have been found. Provenance: Gillespie collection.

Very fine with well-aged patina and moderate overall wear. Mechanically fine. Writer has never seen one of these. Incredible rare!