3220 EXCEPTIONALLY RARE MILLER PATENT REVOLVING PILL

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Nov 08 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,500.00 USD
Estimated at 5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
LOCK RIFLE BY C. BUNGE OF GENEVA, NY. Cal. 45. S# NSN. One of the earliest revolving arms patented in the United States, J & J Miller of Rochester, NY patented this design in 1829; seven years before Colts famous 1836 revolver patent. In Miller's design a latch was depressed by hand at front of cylinder which was then rotated by hand to next position. James Miller died in 1837 and his business and patent was bought out by Billinghurst of Rochester who produced perhaps 200 rifles. Many other gunsmiths were licensed to use this patent among whom was C. E. Bunge of Geneva, NY who produced maybe 24. This very well made rifle has 26" eleven sided to round barrel fitted with buckhorn rear and silver blade front sights. Top of barrel is stamped "C. BUNGE GENEVA N.Y.". Indexing latch is on bottom of barrel shank. A hickory ramrod mounts through two plain pipes. Hand rotating cylinder holding 7 shots and has not been converted to percussion as many were and is lightly knurled at center. Each cylinder is numbered around front ring. Cylinder mounts on an axle that runs front to rear; breech section has vertical pin for dismounting. A flash shield and plate are mounted at top of breech plate. Unmarked back spring lock has flat faced serpentine hammer with integral firing pin in nose. Varnished American walnut buttstock is fitted with steel crescent buttplate with 3" return, steel trigger guard with loop on tang forming grip, and small patchbox on left side of stock that has fancy finial. Stock is of perch belly design and has fluted right hand cheekpiece. Matching forend is pinned to barrel and has pewter tip. CONDITION: very fine. Metal parts retaining most of their original finishes with a fair scattering of cleaned rust spots on barrel, strong case hardening color on other parts and over 90% original stock finish with numerous marks and dings. Bore is fine; shiny throughout. Mechanically fine. Patchbox still contains some bees was for sealing detonating pills in place. A rare and important American rifle. (01-29867/MGM). ANTIQUE. $5,000-8,000.