J. D. Wilkinson, Keeseville, NY rotary breech ss rifle, serial number 31, .44 center fire ca

J. D. Wilkinson, Keeseville, NY rotary breech ss rifle, serial number 31, .44 center fire cal with 26” octagonal barrel; marked on the barrel: "JD WILKINSON'S / PATENT / AUG. 29 1871" and "KEESEVILLE N.Y.”, heavy barrel; the stock has been pieced; could be a sign of a break during the period of use - beautiful wood. Pictured on The Bill Bird Collection book by Tom Rowe.

This is a take down rifle and is one of 2 known. It fonctins by a bolt action that turns 180 degrees and locks up the bullet. 

Barrel is nicely marked, bore is fine, no pitting and works super, the only thing is the repair on the stock, probably period, extremely rare and never one sold in auction.