{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-model-1861-rifle-musket-by-william-mason-of-taunton-converted-to-rare-miller-patent-58-rimfire-breechloader-dated-1863-serial-1105","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Model 1861 Rifle Musket by William Mason of Taunton Converted to Rare Miller Patent .58 Rimfire Breechloader - Dated 1863, Serial 1105","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an especially interesting and scarce \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. Civil War Model 1861 Rifle Musket manufactured by William Mason of Taunton, Massachusetts in 1863 and subsequently converted to the Miller Patent breechloading system\u003c\/strong\u003e. The rifle began life as a standard .58 caliber percussion muzzleloader of the type carried extensively by Union troops during the Civil War, then became part of the postwar search for an economical way to transform thousands of suddenly obsolete muzzleloaders into metallic cartridge breechloaders. Only about \u003cstrong\u003e2,000 Model 1861 rifle muskets were converted to the Miller system by Meriden Manufacturing Company between 1865 and 1867\u003c\/strong\u003e, making surviving examples considerably scarcer than the better known Allin “Trapdoor” conversions. This example is especially appealing because it retains its faint but legible \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ W'M. MASON. \/ TAUNTON.\u003c\/strong\u003e lock marking, 1863 date, Miller patent marked breechblock, matching conversion serial \u003cstrong\u003e1105\u003c\/strong\u003e on the latch and underside of the block, bright .58 caliber rifled bore, functional extractor, and the original Civil War era architecture of the Mason rifle musket from which it was converted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle began as a Federal contract \u003cstrong\u003eModel 1861 Rifle Musket\u003c\/strong\u003e manufactured by William Mason at Taunton, Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lockplate is faintly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW'M. MASON.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAUNTON.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very faint Federal eagle is also visible forward of the hammer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock is dated:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1863\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilliam Mason was a major Massachusetts machinery manufacturer who received a Federal contract in January 1862 to produce Springfield pattern Model 1861 rifle muskets. Although the original proposed quantity was considerably larger, Mason ultimately delivered approximately \u003cstrong\u003e30,000 rifles\u003c\/strong\u003e to the U.S. government during the Civil War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese were not products of Springfield Armory itself. Like many “Springfield” rifle muskets encountered today, they were contractor manufactured weapons made to the Federal Model 1861 pattern and intended to interchange with government produced arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1861 became the quintessential Union rifle musket of the Civil War. Its .58 caliber rifled barrel, percussion ignition, Minié type ammunition, and effective battlefield range represented an enormous improvement over the smoothbore muskets that had dominated American military service only a generation earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example retains important original Model 1861 features, including its solid spring retained barrel bands and three leaf rear sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the Civil War, however, even a successful rifle musket such as the Model 1861 was rapidly becoming technologically outdated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe war had demonstrated the enormous advantages of breechloading firearms. A soldier using a muzzleloader normally had to stand or kneel to load, measure the charge through the muzzle, ram the projectile down the full length of the barrel, cap the nipple, and then fire. A breechloader dramatically simplified this process and allowed a soldier to reload without exposing himself to the same degree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe problem facing the U.S. government was cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHundreds of thousands of serviceable rifle muskets remained in government inventories. Completely replacing all of them with newly manufactured cartridge rifles would have been enormously expensive, so inventors and manufacturers proposed numerous systems for converting existing muzzleloaders into breechloaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best known result of this experimentation was Erskine S. Allin’s system at Springfield Armory, which ultimately evolved into the famous Trapdoor Springfield family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMiller conversion\u003c\/strong\u003e was one of the competing systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilliam H. Miller and George W. Miller developed a hinged breech mechanism that could be fitted to existing Model 1861 rifle muskets. Meriden Manufacturing Company of Connecticut performed approximately \u003cstrong\u003e2,000 conversions between 1865 and 1867\u003c\/strong\u003e, a very small production run compared with the tens of thousands of later Springfield conversions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe top of the breechblock on this rifle retains its patent and manufacturer markings, although they are somewhat faded from wear and oxidation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW.H \u0026amp; G.W.MILLER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePATENT MAY 23.1865\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMERIDEN MANFG. CO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMERIDEN, CONN.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Miller conversion required alteration of the rear portion of the original barrel and installation of a hinged breechblock assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen opened, the breechblock exposes the chamber for loading a self contained:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.58 Rimfire Cartridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allowed the rifle to retain essentially the same bore diameter as the original percussion musket while taking advantage of metallic cartridge technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle retains its original 39\" barrel and now measures approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e56\" overall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Miller system also incorporates a mechanical extractor. On this example, the breech mechanism operates properly and the extractor remains functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe firing pin is still present and moves, although it is somewhat stiff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock itself operates without noted mechanical issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three leaf rear sight remains fully intact and moves easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conversion serial number:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1105\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eis stamped on the breech latch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same number:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1105\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eis also present on the underside of the breechblock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe matching conversion numbers are a particularly desirable feature and indicate that these fitted Miller components have remained together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe U.S. Army tested the Miller system during the immediate postwar period, when numerous inventors were competing for government attention and contracts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe system did not ultimately win adoption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeriod trials revealed reliability concerns, including misfires and gas leakage, and the government instead proceeded with the Allin system developed at Springfield Armory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat rejection is one of the principal reasons Miller rifles are so scarce today. With only around 2,000 conversions undertaken, the design never entered large scale Federal service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is evidence that at least small numbers later saw militia use, including with state forces in New York and Maryland, although no provenance accompanies this rifle to establish any specific postwar unit history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle itself is in very good service used condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the metal surfaces have developed a pleasing aged gray patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is scattered fine oxidation and light peppering in several areas. We have left these surfaces largely intact rather than aggressively cleaning them, preserving the rifle’s historic appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lockplate and Miller breech markings remain visible, although both are faint from age and wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buttplate is stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth barrel bands are marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe walnut stock remains in very good overall condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe did not observe any major structural cracks or extensive repairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is, however, a small chunk of wood missing on the left side immediately adjacent to the breech. This appears to have broken away from the particularly narrow section of wood in that area, possibly after catching on another object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remainder of the stock shows the expected dents, handling marks, and service wear of a Civil War era military rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is particularly attractive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt remains bright through much of its length and retains crisp lands and grooves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6 inches near the muzzle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eshow evidence of older fouling and oxidation, most likely resulting from exposure and accumulated residue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe installed ramrod appears closer in form to an Enfield pattern rod and is therefore regarded as a:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eperiod replacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003erather than the rifle’s original Model 1861 ramrod.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Miller is one of the more fascinating dead ends in the rapid evolution of the American military rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis firearm began its life during the Civil War as a conventional William Mason Model 1861 muzzleloading rifle musket and then, within only a few years, was rebuilt to fire a self contained metallic cartridge. In a single surviving rifle, it is possible to see the transition from the classic percussion infantry weapon of 1861 to the breechloading military rifle that would dominate the remainder of the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat transitional history, combined with the extremely limited number of Miller conversions, is what gives this example such strong collector appeal. Its \u003cstrong\u003e1863 dated William Mason lock, Federal markings, matching Miller conversion serial 1105, patent marked Meriden breechblock, functional extractor, bright .58 caliber rifled bore, original three leaf sight, and strong overall stock condition\u003c\/strong\u003e make it a particularly satisfying example. The faint markings, scattered oxidation, small stock loss beside the breech, stiff firing pin, muzzle end fouling, and period replacement ramrod are fully disclosed. It would make an outstanding addition to an advanced \u003cstrong\u003eCivil War arms, U.S. breechloading conversion, Model 1861 Springfield, William Mason, Miller Patent, or postwar military firearms development collection\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1863, converted circa 1865-1867\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .58\"\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 39 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 56 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction Type: Side Action Lock with Hinged Breechloading Conversion\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot Breechloader\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44847002648645,"sku":"ONSV26MFD050","price":1495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26MFD050.jpg?v=1775257513","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-model-1861-rifle-musket-by-william-mason-of-taunton-converted-to-rare-miller-patent-58-rimfire-breechloader-dated-1863-serial-1105","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}