Original Item: One Only. This is something we don't see everyday! This rifle started out as a Civil War Springfield Rifle Musket, dated 1863, made by SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, as indicated on the lock plate. There is also the "Spread Eagle" and correct U.S. marking, 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.

This example definitely had a rather interesting history compared to most we have seen. The rear portion of the receiver is stamped C.C.P., which research indicates is for CHICAGO CITY POLICE. There is also a C.A. stamped on the front of the breech hinge, for the CITIZEN'S ASSOCIATION, which was formed in 1874. The contract for these guns was only for 200-300 units, and the specification was changed from 56 inch long rifles with 40 inch barrels to 52 inch long rifles with 32 1/2 inch barrels, the same as the later model 1868. This configuration only has two barrel bands, however the inlet for the middle band spring is STILL VISIBLE. Converted Springfield rifles with these markings and measurements are quite rare!

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 Springfield Model 1865 trapdoor was the first type designed, made using a Civil War percussion Rifle that kept the original .58 caliber barrel, and fitted it with a "trapdoor" breech. It used a relatively large .58-60-500 rimfire cartridge. The 2nd type designed, the Model 1866, instead used a .50 caliber barrel, and chambered for a centerfire .50-70-450 cartridge, otherwise known as ".50-70 Government". Every few years after that the system was improved until the finish result was the Model of 1873 in .45-70 Government, 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 1863 across the tail, with a clear EAGLE next to U.S. over SPRINGFIELD. 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. The Model 1866 was the second type of "Allin Conversion" used, and was mainly different due to the caliber barrel used.

The stock is in good condition, with the expected wear from age and service, and the original stock cartouches worn away. The only crack we noticed runs back from the tail of the lock plate, and looks to be a stress crack, without any movement. The metalwork is bright, now faded partly to a grayish patina, with some sign of past pitting in areas. The exception to this is the breech block and lock, which still have a good amount of the original blued finish present. The lower barrel band is correctly U marked, and both sling swivels are still present. The butt plate tang is U.S. marked, and there is a stamped rack number of 180 just above this.

The bore is in good condition, and still shows rifling, though there is definitely wear and oxidation in areas. It looks to have definitely seen service for a period of time. The complicated spring loaded ejection system on the left side used on early conversions is no longer present on this example, and it may have never been fitted with one. It still features the tab on the breech block to aid with ejection.

A very interesting piece of U.S. firearms history, marked to the Chicago City Police, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1863 - 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

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