Item:
ON9781

Original Springfield M-1863 Rifled Musket Converted to Miller Patent Breechloader

Item Description

Original Item: One Only. This is really a Peach! This rifle started out as a Civil War 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. Around 700,000 were produced from 1863 until the end of the Civil War in 1865. 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 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 25. 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 of exceptional quality and condition with all very crisp markings and showing great color, the wood stock is in truly excellent condition. Bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves, and mostly bright, with some darkening in the grooves. Fully cleaned and ready to display. Very Rare

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.
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