Item Description
Original Item: One Only. This is really a Peach! This rifle started out as a Civil War Model 1861 Springfield Rifle Musket, dated 1863, made by PARKERS ' SNOW & CO. MERIDEN, CONN, as listed on the lock plate. There is also the "Spread Eagle" over U.S. marking, indicating military production. 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. The solid barrel bands with band springs were eliminated later in 1863 with the introduction of the Model 1863 Type I, but then returned in 1864 with the Model 1863 Type II, so it is possible that technically this started life as a transitional model 1863 of some sort.
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 39" barrel. The rifle now measures 56" in overall length.
The conversion breach 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 lock plate and breech block, though the metal finish is worn on the barrel and fittings. The stock is in good condition, though there are repairs around the lock, breech, and trigger guard, possibly from the weakening due to trials.
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 machine cutting marks can still be seen in the grooves, and there is virtually no oxidation. The breech loading mechanism works well, with a fully functional ejector. The rear three leaf sight is fully intact.
Fully cleaned and ready to display. Very Rare!
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
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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