Original 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.

Please 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.

Here we have a very nice Springfield Model 1866 2nd Allin Conversion breech loader, offered in "As Found" condition with some great restoration potential. This rifle started out as a Civil War Springfield Rifle Musket, dated 1864, made under contract by Alfred Jenks & Son, located in Bridesburg and Philadelphia, PA., indicated by the U.S. / BRIDESBURG on the lock plate. There is also the "Spread Eagle" to the left of this, indicating military production. This particular rifle started life either as a Model 1861, or a Model 1863, Type II, sometimes called the model 1864, though it was produced prior to that. These both featured a single leaf rear sight and solid barrel bands held in place by band springs. Around 1,700,000 of all Springfield Rifled Musket types were produced from 1861 until the end of the Civil War in 1865.

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" 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.

The 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.

The 1866 Trapdoor was made using a Civil War percussion Rifle which was made into a breech loader using a .50 cal barrel. and each years the system was improved until the finish result was the Model of 1873 which was adopted and remained until the Krag Rifle was introduced in the 1890s.

There is an excellent work TRAPDOOR SPRINGFIELD by Waite and Ernst published in 1980 that covered this very subject from 1865 - 1893. The very first Chapter is entitled "The ALLIN Breech-Loading System" which covers the Model Trap door rifle we offer here. The conversion made inventive use of the existing parts of the barrel, such as the cap lock bolster being turned into part of the breech lock system.

In fine condition, the lock is dated 1864 across the tail, with a clear EAGLE next to U.S. over BRIDESBURG. The Breech Block is DATED 1866 over an Eagle's head cartouche. In very good condition this is a rare U.S. Military Rifle that led to the the legendary Model of 1873.

Condition Notes:-
- Rifle has been shortened by 4 inches and had the center band removed and nose band moved back. The band spring inlet was filled, so it may be an arsenal level conversion.
- Spring Loaded ejector on the left side of the barrel is present but currently does not move.
- Both Sling Swivels are missing, as is the ramrod / cleaning rod and nose cap.
- Bore shows rifling and both areas of bright steel and oxidation and fouling.

A great chance to pick up an affordable Contract made Springfield Rifled Musket. updated to Springfield Model 1866 Short Rifle specifications. This is a rifle that really has some great restoration potential.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1864 - Converted c.1866
Caliber: .50-70 government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 52 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.