{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-springfield-m-1863-rifle-converted-to-m-1868-trapdoor-rifle-using-allin-system-in-1870","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Springfield M-1863 Rifle Converted to M-1868 Trapdoor Rifle using ALLIN System in 1870","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is really a Peach! This rifle started out as a Civil War Springfield Rifle Musket, dated\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1865\u003c\/strong\u003e, made by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eSPRINGFIELD ARMORY\u003c\/b\u003e, as indicated on the lock plate. There is also the \"Spread Eagle\" over U.S. marking, indicating military production. This particular rifle is technically a Model 1863, Type II, and is still fitted with the barrel bands retained by band springs. A total of 255,040 of these were manufactured from 1864 to 1865.\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\" breach loading system being adopted on a trial basis. The Union had as many as NINETEEN different systems issued during the war and the ALLIN system was a version that was considered a determination was made to standardize.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Trapdoor system seemed to be the one that satisfied most authorities so more trials were held, and the trapdoor was adopted. The government then looked for for cost effective ways to modernize their rifles, and one way was to convert muzzle loading Rifle muskets to a breech loaders, as seen throughout the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally, the trapdoor Springfields were created to convert Model 1863 Springfield rifled muskets to breech-loading rifles at a relatively low cost. This conversion consisted of replacing the percussion lock with the breech-loading trapdoor mechanism, and relining the barrels to convert them from .58 to .50 caliber. This proved problematic, because in the field, the lining tended to separate from the barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo correct this problem, the Model 1868 used a new barrel instead of relining the original older barrel. The new barrel was slightly shorter, 32.5 inches, compared to the 36.5-inch barrel used on the Model 1866. The shorter barrel was affixed using only two barrel bands, instead of the three used on the Model 1866. Since it lacked the middle barrel band, the sling was affixed to the upper barrel band instead. The Model 1868 also differed from previous models in that it used a separate Allin type receiver with the barrel attached to it. The Model 1868 was also the first trapdoor conversion to use the cartridge extractor covered by U.S. Patent No. 68,009, issued August 27, 1867 to W.H. \u0026amp; G.W. Miller. The Model 1868 had an overall length of 51​7⁄8 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver 50,000 Model 1868 rifles were manufactured 1868-1870, chambered for the .50-70 450 cartridge. This model is unique in the 'trapdoor' series by being marked with the actual year of manufacture (1868, 1869, or 1870) on the breech-block\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis model served as the stepping stone towards the definitive Model 1873 \"Trapdoor Springfield\" series of rifles in .45-70 caliber, which was adopted in 1873 as the standard military longarm of the United States armed forces for the next 20 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn fine condition, the lock is marked\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1865\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand an EAGLE over U.S. next to SPRINGFIELD and the Breech Block is marked \u003cstrong\u003eMODEL \/ 1870\u003c\/strong\u003e with an \u003cstrong\u003eEagle head \/ Crossed Arrows \/  U.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e cartouche underneath. The barrel bears serial number\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e19726\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left hand side. In great condition this is a rare U.S. Military Rifle that led to the the legendary Model of 1873. Stock is in good condition with the expected dents and dings from age, as well as some gouges. The Metal components are in excellent condition. Bore shows clear lands and grooves, but does show some staining in areas. Also the rear sight is missing the flip up leaf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn very example of the M-1868 Converted rifle, Fully Cleaned and Ready to display and research!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture:\u003cspan\u003e 1865 - Converted 1870\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .50-70 government\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 1\/2 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 52 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":31761856495685,"sku":"ONSV7213","price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV7213__01.jpg?v=1596237229","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-springfield-m-1863-rifle-converted-to-m-1868-trapdoor-rifle-using-allin-system-in-1870","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}