Original Item: Only One Available. This is a real find, and is one of only a few Joslyn System firearms that we have had in over 25 years! Even better, this is only the fourth infantry rifle that we have ever had! Benjamin Franklin Joslyn was known as one of the most interesting gun designers during the U.S. Civil War, and he developed a series of breech-loading firearms, which were incremental improvements over each previous design. First introduced in 1861, the rifle was refined in 1862, and a total of only 3000 were ever made, chambered for .56-52 Spencer Rimfire metallic cartridges. The design was further refined in 1864, with some being produced at Springfield Armory.

The example we have is in good service used condition, and looks to have seen a good amount of exposure to the elements, which unfortunately resulted in oxidation and light pitting over much of the surface. This was cleaned away, leaving a mottled polished patina, but also unfortunately wore down a lot of the markings, which are now hard to read or gone completely. All parts are mostly intact, and the rifle bears serial number 934 M on the and receiver tang, while the serial on the top of the breech block is partly worn away, and only a faint 34 can be seen. The rifle features a Springfield Model 1863 style lock, which is dated [1]864 on the lock plate tail amidst the past pitting. The "Federal Eagle" stamped into the lock is completely obliterated, and we can only make out part of the original arsenal marking:

[U.]S.
[SPRIN]GFIELD

This indicates production at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. For the carbine Joslyn usually made the locks, but for the early production rifles, U.S. armory made locks were used. It is fitted with a 100 / 300 / 500 three leaf rear sight, which is fully functional, but a bit loose. We checked the inside of the breech cap, and it is definitely has not been converted to centerfire, as some were before being sold off.

The rear of the swiveling breech block is still marked with the early pattern 2 line patent markings, however past oxidation has made it hard to read:

The metal components of the rifle have been cleaned and polished over the years, showing a bright matte patina with some of the deeper pitting still evident. This is true for just about all of the metalwork except for the protected area under the breech block. The action works correctly, opening smoothly and locking back into place. The firing pin is present and moves easily, however the spring is no longer present, and the protective sleeve around it on the breech block is cracked in two places. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full, though it is a bit stiff. The bore is in very good condition, showing strong lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish, with oxidation towards the muzzle from weathering. It does not look to have seen much firing use in service.

The wood stock does show wear from use, but there is no major structural damage that we can see, just the usual scratches, dents, and dings from service and age. It looks to have probably been stripped and refinished at some point, and has a lovely brown color. There is some cracking around the butt plate from moisture exposure, and a chunk of wood is missing from the butt stock spine just in front of the butt plate tang.

This is a very nice example of a rare and historic civil war rifle, which looks to have been carried in service for a long time. Now fully cleaned, it would be a great addition to any collection. Only the fourth that we have ever had, ready to display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1863-1864
Caliber: .56-52 Spencer or .54 Joslyn
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 35 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 52 inches
Action: Rotating Breech with Manual Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

History of the Joslyn Rifle:

In 1855, Joslyn designed the first of his breech-loading carbines, which had an elongated breech block that reached down to the wrist of the rifle. After successful tests, the U.S. Army ordered 50 of these rifles in 1857 in .54 caliber. The Army quickly lost interest in the rifle, but in 1858 the U.S. Navy ordered 500 of these in .58 caliber. Production problems resulted in only 150 to 200 of these rifles being delivered in 1861.

Subsequently Joslyn designed a modified version in 1861 using a metal rimfire cartridge, as opposed to the paper combustible cartridges used before. More importantly, the model 1961 introduced a laterally hinged block called the "cap" which enveloped the standing breech and could be swung open to the left when the locking catch was released. This was a vast improvement over the previous breech design.

This design was further refined in 1862 with the addition of cam surfaces which improved the cartridge seating and extraction. The Model 1861 was chambered for the Spencer .56-56 rimfire cartridge, and the improved Model 1862 used the Spencer .56-52 rimfire cartridge. 

The Federal Ordnance Department ordered 860 of these carbines, which were delivered in 1862. Most went to units from Ohio. In 1862, Joslyn received an order for 20,000 carbines. Delivery on these weapons started in 1863, but by the time the Civil War came to an end only about half of these had been delivered.

The Model 1864 Carbine featured many small improvements and refinements to the Model 1862 design, and could fire either the Spencer .56-52 cartridge or a .54 caliber cartridge made by Joslyn.

In 1865, Joslyn submitted two carbine designs for trial, both based on the Model 1864 carbine. Despite the difficulties between Joslyn and the U.S. Government, an order was placed for 5,000 of these weapons. Springfield Armory produced approximately 3,000 Joslyn rifles before hostilities ended.

After the war ended, the U.S. Government canceled all remaining contracts, claiming that the rifles failed to meet specifications. Litigation related to these contracts persisted for many years after the war ended. Sadly this has resulted in the Joslyn firearms company being known more for their litigation than for the actual firearms they produced.

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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.

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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.