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  • /Lot 1238

Lot 1238:Scarce Engraved William Billinghurst Pill Lock Revolving Shotgun

September 7th, 2019|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1238

Lot 1238:Scarce Engraved William Billinghurst Pill Lock Revolving Shotgun

September 7th, 2019|Rock Island, IL
Estimated Price$3,500 - $5,500
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Scarce Engraved William Billinghurst Miller Patent Pill Lock Revolving Smoothbore 'Rifle'

William Billinghurst of Rochester, New York, worked for James and John Miller (also seen Millar) starting in 1827. He purchased the company and the rights to their famous revolving rifle design. Some of his rifles were sold to well-connected individuals, including Emperor of Brazil Don Pedro d'Alcantara and the Maharajah of Bombay. The seven-shot cylinder is released using the latch located in front of the cylinder at the bottom. The cylinder is also finely serrated to help with gripping the cylinder while rotating it by hand and numbered 1-7 by the pill cavities. The lock is back action and has floral engraving. The barrel is marked "W. BILLINGHURST/ROCHESTER, N.Y." on top at the breech and has post and notch sights. The forend has a pewter cap, and the buttstock has a small German silver shield on the left flat and brass furniture.

ConditionFine with traces of original finish under old applied lacquer, gray and brown patina overall, tool marks at the breech, general minor marks and scratches, aged patina on the brass, nicks on the trigger guard, legible markings, distinct texture on the cylinder, and mild overall wear. The wood is also fine as revarnished at the time of repair and has some slivers and small chips absent at the edges, a repaired crack on the left side of the wrist and upper tang, a few other slight cracks, and a few general dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
Details
ManufacturerBillinghurst William
ModelRevolving-Rifle
TypeMusket
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge50
Barrel31 3/4 inch part octagon
Finishblue/casehardened
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1505
Catalog page137
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