Original Item: Only one Available. It has been quite some time since we have had one of these! This is very nice example of a Miller Patent Breech-loading rifle, which started out as a Civil War Model 1861 Springfield Rifle Musket, dated 1863, made by the William Mason Company of Taunton, Massachusetts. It has the correct U.S. / W'M. MASON. / TAUNTON. on the lock plate (faint), along with a very faint Federal Eagle in front of the hammer. Commonly referred to as the "Springfield" (after its original place of design and production, Springfield, Massachusetts), it was the most widely used U.S. Army weapon during the Civil War, favored for its range, accuracy, and reliability. It has the correct solid spring retained bands and three leaf rear sight of the model 1861. Many contractors did not update to the model 1863 Springfield by the end of the war, as it would have required updating their tooling, and their contracts also did not dictate any need.

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 1861 Springfield involves a flip up breach block allowing access to the chamber of the .58 Rimfire 39" barrel. The rifle now measures 56" in overall length. It looks to have seen a good amount of use and exposure to the elements, which has left a peppery patina on much of the metalwork.

The conversion breach block is has the patent information stamped on the top, though it is a bit faded from oxidation:-

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 every example rare. Our example is in very good service used condition, with the markings on the lock plate and breech block well retained, though faint due to wear. We can see serial number 1105 marked on the breech latch, and the underside of the breech block. The rifle shows a lovely gray aged patina on most of the metalwork, and there is some light peppering in areas, which we have left intact to preserve the patina. The stock is in very good condition, without any structural cracks or repairs that we can see except for a small chunk missing on the left side by the breech, probably torn out when something caught on the very narrow wood in that area. It does show overall denting and wear, but nothing out of line with use in service.

The butt plate is marked U.S., and both barrel bands are U marked. The bore of the barrel is in very good condition, showing crisp lands and grooves with a bright finish for much of the length, though the last 6 or so inches near the muzzle shows some past fouling and oxidation, most likely from exposure to the elements. The breech loading mechanism works well, with a fully functional ejector, and there are no issues with the lock. The firing pin still moves, though it is a bit stiff. The rear three leaf sight is fully intact and moves easily. The installed ramrod looks to be closer to an Enfield style rod, and is a period replacement.

A lovely example of a rare breech loading conversion, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1863 - converted c.1865
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 39 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Trapdoor Breech Single Shot

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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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.