Measurement: Overall length: 35.5"; blade length: 29"
Material: Walnut stocks, hickory ramrod
Condition: Excellent, mechanically fine
Literature: This example was pictured and described in the seventh revised edition
of The Gun Collectors Handbook of Values by Charles Edward Chapel.
Additional Information: The .30 caliber octagon barrel is turned for starter (not
present) and features a bright near excellent bore showing a little mild frosting and
strong rifling throughout. The barrel of this handsome small frame rifle retains a strong
amount of plum-brown finish, thinning and toning to deep gray patina and showing
some trivial scattered old light pitting which, we mention for accuracy. The frame has
mostly toned to a pleasant mild gray showing a few sparse pinprick pits and some
generous streaks of silver case-hardened patina. The sides of the hammer and trigger
also show a few flakes of bright fire blue.
The W. Billinghurst Rochester, NY barrel address remains intact and strong. The
upper tang is stamped just ahead of the rear sight with the name ''L. F. MUNGER''.
Several Billinghurst rifles have been discovered with Munger’s name. The consensus is
that Munger was a barrel maker. The possibilities of who ''L. F. MUNGER'' may have
been, are presented and discussed in the highly respected book The New York State
Firearms Trade by H.J. Swinney, Compiled by Tom Rowe, pages 1194 and 1195.
The smooth walnut stock is outstanding and remains in very fine condition. The butt
has a small cap box compartment with simple rotating sheet iron cover. The original
skeletonized (open wood) shoulder stock also remains in very fine condition retaining an
abundance original finish. The shoulder stock fits well into the stock proper. The original
hickory ramrod with worm end i\retaining threaded brass cap is present. The rifle is
sighted with a small lollipop rear sight with a fine aperture and v-notch, corresponding
target globe front sight
