{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-springfield-m1861-converted-to-miller-breechloading-short-rifle-in-as-found-condition-dated-1864","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Springfield M1861 Converted to Miller Breechloading Short Rifle in \"As Found\" Condition - dated 1864","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Over the years, IMA has purchased many collections and groups of antique guns, in which case we need to take all of them, as we did in Nepal. While these collections were generally full of guns that relatively good condition, they also had some that were less complete and unfortunately would take more restoration time than we were able to give them. We kept them in storage, possibly for future products, but have now decided to offer these \"As Found\" antique firearms to our customers as restoration projects. These are all original and as we received them, except for cleaning the dirt and grime off the exterior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note that these are still real antique guns, and are being sold in \"As is\" condition at a significant discount from what they would sell at if we were to fully restore them. We will do our best to photograph and describe them and know that our customers will know exactly what they are getting. If they arrive and you find that they are not to your liking, they can be returned, however please be aware that there will most likely be restocking fees assessed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very nice \"As Found\" condition Miller's Patent Breechloading conversion short rifle. It began its service life 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 \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\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 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 31 1\/2\" barrel. It measures 48 1\/4\" in overall length, about 8 inches shorter than the 3-band version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conversion breech 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 examples were ever produced making these very rare. The butt plate is marked \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e, and both barrel bands are \u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c\/strong\u003e marked, as is correct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Overall condition shows age and oxidation on the metalwork, with some areas showing a bit of light peppering\u003cbr\u003e- Lock, is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.\u003cbr\u003e- Breech block axis pin is missing and the ejector is non functional.\u003cbr\u003e- Bore shows strong rifling, but also fouling and oxidation.\u003cbr\u003e- Stock is partly split through the lock \/ breech area, with some past repair attempts.\u003cbr\u003e- Cleaning \/ Ram rod is missing, as are the leaves for the rear sight.\u003cbr\u003e- Both sling swivels are still present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall a nice \"As Found\" example of an iconic civil war weapon, later converted into a breechloading rifle. This could definitely turn into a great restoration project, or provide parts for another! Please make sure to look at all the pictures before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1864 - converted c.1865\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .58 \"\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 31 1\/2 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 48 1\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Side Action Lock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Trapdoor Breech Single Shot\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":40628172095557,"sku":"ONSV23AGF36","price":850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23AGF36__01.jpg?v=1693421135","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-springfield-m1861-converted-to-miller-breechloading-short-rifle-in-as-found-condition-dated-1864","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}