Though previously incorrectly identified as the work of Samuel L. Shillito (1794-1852), this rifle was built by his son Samuel Miller Shillito (1824 - 1904) of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. He is known to have had his shop burned down by Confederate raiders in 1864 but rebuilt his shop in 1874 and thus was active at least into the 1870s. The rifle has an heavy octagon barrel with low profile blade and notch sights, two additional rear sight dovetails, "S.M. Shillito" signed in script on the breech section, an unknown lock (likely Goulcher) with "Warranted" partially visible as well as bird and scroll patterns, double set triggers, double acorn silver inlays and molding lines on the forend, scroll and moon silver inlays on the grasping section of the forend, silver tear drops on the sides of the wrist, two silver thumb escutcheons, an cheekpiece plate with eagle and farm scene engraving, heart shaped silver inlays below the cheekpiece and ahead of the engraved toe plate, a final silver inlay in the upper cut out of the finely engraved patch box, and fine traditional incised carving on the left side of the butt. The ramrod is iron and has interesting twist patterns.

Good with dark brown patina on the barrel, gray and brown patina on the lock, some moderate pitting, untouched aged patina on the brass and silver, a small splice above the nose of the lock (looks old), attractive flame figure, small gap at the buttplate tang, and mild overall wear, including scratches and dings. Mechanically needs work.