This rifle is in the distinctive style of Benjamin Mills (1810-1895) of Harrodsburg and Lexington, Kentucky. One of his rifles was reportedly owned and used by Kit Carson in 1842 while guiding General Fremont through the Rock Mountains (see "The Plains Rifle" by Hanson and "Benjamin Mills, 19th Century Gunmaker" by Marsh). The "saw handle" shape of the stock at the breech is one of Mills' hallmarks. Other area gunmakers from the period also adopted his style. Mills briefly served as the master armorer of the Harpers Ferry armory from October 1858 to November 1859 which included the well-known assault on the armory by John Brown. A silver oval inlay on the cheekpiece is marked "ROBERT J. ELLIOTT/May 1859./Louisville, Ky." Robert Jackson Elliott (b. 1824) worked as the Louisville city prosecuting attorney and city attorney. In April 1859, Elliott was elected to represent the city's third ward. Perhaps this rifle was presented to him by citizens from the ward. The only other markings are "CAST-STEEL" on the top barrel flat and "REMINGTON/CAST STEEL" on the lower left barrel flat. The lock has light border engraving. The barrel has a turned down muzzle for use with a starter, a traditional low profile blade front sight with some hand cut adjustment lines ahead of it, an adjustable rear sight ahead of a dovetail filler block, and the markings noted above. It is equipped with double set triggers, previously had a peep sight fitted on the breech tang, and is fitted with a German silver nose cap and iron remaining furniture. The stock has attractive tight flame figure patterns.

Very good overall with a smooth brown mix of original finish and patina on most of the surfaces, some slight oxidation, attractive flame patterns along the stock, and minor marks and scratches. Mechanically excellent.