{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-springfield-m-1861-converted-to-miller-patent-breechloading-rifle-dated-1864","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Springfield M-1861 Converted to Miller Patent Breechloading Rifle - dated 1864","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: One Only. This is really a Peach! This rifle started out as a Civil War Model 1861 Springfield Rifle Musket, dated \u003cstrong\u003e1864\u003c\/strong\u003e, made by \u003cstrong\u003ePARKERS ' SNOW \u0026amp; CO. MERIDEN, CONN\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. Many of the contractors also did not move to the model 1864, so it is just as likely that it was made as a Model 1861.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conversion breach block is stamped on the top:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW.H.\u0026amp; G.W.MILLER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePATENT MAY 23.1865\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMERIDEN MANFG. CO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMERIDEN, CONN.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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 bright steel finish is worn on the barrel and fittings, showing oxidation. The stock is in good condition, with some scratches, dents, and gouges, as expected from a service rifle. There is a crack near the rear lock screw, but otherwise no major damage or repairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butt plate is marked \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e, and all three barrel bands are \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e marked. The bore of the barrel is in good condition, and still shows clear three groove rifling. There is however wear, and areas of oxidation, especially near the muzzle. The breech loading mechanism works well, however part of the ejector linkage is missing \/ damaged, so it is not functional at present, however a motivated hobbyist may be able to set it right. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The rear three leaf sight is fully intact and functional.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFully cleaned and ready to display. Very Rare!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture:\u003cspan\u003e 1864 - converted c.1865\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCaliber:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.58 \"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 39 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 56 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Side Action Lock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Trapdoor Breech Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39605910306885,"sku":"ON21112","price":1795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ON21112__01.jpg?v=1636146438","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-springfield-m-1861-converted-to-miller-patent-breechloading-rifle-dated-1864","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}