Original U.S. Civil War Springfield M-1861 by Parker Snow Converted to Miller Patent Breechloading Short Rifle - dated 1863
Item Description
Original Item: One Only. This is really a Peach! Probably the best example we have seen of this type of conversion! 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. It has the correct solid spring retained bands and three leaf rear sight of the model 1861. Most contractors did not update to the model 1863 Springfield by the end of the war.
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 barrel. Most were made as long rifles, however this example was converted to a 2-band short rifle with a 29" barrel. It measures 46" in overall length, 10 inches shorter than the 3-band version.
The conversion breech 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 examples were ever produced making these very rare. Our example is in very good condition, with fully legible markings on the lock plate and breech block, and a lovely polished bright patina on most of the metalwork. The stock is in good condition, showing wear consistent with long service. There are also glue repaired cracks on the left side by the lock screws. The removal of wood made the breech area relatively weak, so this is common.
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 mostly bright finish. There are a few spots of fouling and oxidation in the grooves, as to be expected from the days of black powder. The breech loading mechanism works well, with a fully functional ejector, and there are no issues with the lock. The rear three leaf sight is fully intact and functional. The tulip headed ramrod is also still present.
A very nice example, fully cleaned and ready to display. Very Rare!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1863 - converted c.1865
Caliber: .58 "
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 Inches
Overall Length: 46 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Trapdoor Breech Single Shot
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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.
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