Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is really a Peach! This rifle started out as a Civil War Springfield Rifle Musket, dated 1864, made by PARKERS ' SNOW & CO. / MERIDEN, CONN, as faintly listed on the lock plate. There is also the "Spread Eagle" over U.S. marking, indicating military production. This particular rifle is technically a Model 1863, Type II, indicated by the solid bands and band springs. Around 700,000 were produced from 1863 until the end of the Civil War in 1865.
The U.S. Civil war had confirmed the adage of NEED is the Mother of INVENTION. Muzzle Loading Muskets and Rifles were extensively used but new developments continually resulted in a "fresh" breech loading system being adopted on a trial basis. With the advent of breech loading cartridge firearms, the government was looking for cost effective ways to modernize their rifles, and one way was to convert muzzle loading Rifle muskets to a breech loaders. The Union had as many as NINETEEN different systems issued during the war, some of which were extremely complex.
The Miller Breach Loading system for the 1863 Springfield involves a flip up breach block allowing access to the chamber of the .58 Rimfire barrel. This particular example was converted to a short rifle, so it now has a 31 inch long barrel with an overall length of 48 inches.
The conversion breech block is stamped on the top:-
W.H. & G.W. MILLER
PATENT MAY 23.1865
MERIDEN MANFG. CO.
MERIDEN, CONN.
In Military Trials in 1867 performance was spotty with several misfires however there appeared to be considerable gas "leakage" around the primer, resulting in this system not being adopted by the Government. Consequently few example were ever produced making these very rare. Our example is in very good condition, with crisp markings on the breech block, though the markings are very worn on the lock plate. The metal finish on the barrel and fittings is a light gray polished patina. The stock is in good condition, with the expected wear from age and use. There are some cracks on the left side near the lock screws, as shown.
The butt plate is marked U.S., and both barrel bands are U marked. The bore of the barrel is in excellent condition, and looks almost unissued, with crisp rifling and a bright finish. The breech loading mechanism works well, though the ejector sticks in the open position. The rear three leaf sight is fully intact.
Fully cleaned and ready to display. Very Rare!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1864 - converted c.1865
Caliber: .58 "
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 31 Inches
Overall Length: 48 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Trapdoor Breech Single Shot
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
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