Original Item: Only one Available. It has been quite some time since we have had one of these! This is very nice example of a Miller Patent Breech-loading rifle, which 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 "Federal 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. Many contractors did not update to the model 1863 Springfield by the end of the war, as it would have required updating their tooling, and their contracts also did not dictate any need.

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 39" barrel. The rifle now measures 56" in overall length.

The conversion breach block is clearly stamped on the top:-

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 example were ever produced, making every example rare. Our example is in very good condition, with crisp markings on the lock plate and breech block, and a lovely gray aged patina on most of the metalwork. There is some light peppering in areas, which we have left intact to preserve the patina. The stock is in very good condition, without any structural cracks or repairs that we can see except for a chunk missing on the left side by the breech, probably torn out when something caught on the very narrow wood in that area. It does show overall denting and wear, but nothing out of line with use in service.

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 bright finish. There is just a bit of fouling and oxidation on the edges of 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, though frozen with dried grease. The tulip headed ramrod with the enlarged shank is also still present.

A lovely example of a rare breech loading conversion, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1863 - converted c.1865
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 39 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Trapdoor Breech Single Shot

NOTE: 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.