M1866 Allin Trapdoor Conversion Springfield Rifle………SOLD
Created on October 25th 2011
A Good .50-70 Trapdoor Conversion Springfield Rifle
A good example of a 3-Band 1865 Springfield Musket that has been converted for the Army to use with the new .50-70 cartridge. Overall length 56″. Barrel length 36.5/8″. Length with fixed bayonet 72.3/4″. The bore is good with minor spotting within the grooves.
Externally the rifles’ metalwork has mellowed nicely to a plumb brown/silver grey, with small areas of mild pitting. The stock is fairly light in colour for a military piece but in no way unusual. The stock is complete and in good condition with no cracks or splits. On the left hand face of the butt-stock is a number impressed by a stamp which looks to be “0331”, the stamping has not broken the surface of the timber.
The Standard lock plate has a grey mottled finish, with little blue remaining. It is clearly stamped with the American Eagle clutching crossed arrows. It is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” with the date behind the hammer, “1865”. The lock is flat with an even bevel all round. The lock being retained in the normal fashion by two large screws which pass through the stock and emerge on the opposite side to the lock. The hinged breech opperates freely and the firing pin returns correctly. The ejector works well, in short the action is fine. The mottled grey breech block is clearly stamped with the eagles head and the date 1866. It is the flat bottom hinged type block. The hammer looks to be original to the action and has a nice smooth patina all over.
There is a basic 4 point type rear sight. The first, the open sight is obtained with the leaf laid flat and has a wide “U” notch for close range. When elevated the sight presents two appatures, one above the other and an open top, much smaller notch for long distance above. A clever basic sighting system that even raw recruits could use. The front sight is a small blade on a block, which acts as bayonet lug to the socket bayonet.
The rifle is full length and consequently the barrel is secured by three barrel bands retained in position by flat springs let into the stock. The middle band also has the forward sling swivel attached. There is a steel forend cap with grove under for the cleaning rod. In the rod channel there is a standard cleaning rod which is fractionally short.
The trigger guard is a pleasing plumb brown and carries the rear sling swivel forward of the guard. The steel butt plate is unmarked but has the same plum brown finish to it.
This example arrived from the US with a typical triangular socket bayonet and fixing ring intact. The bayonet fits well but is unmarked, it does bear a strong resemblance, in finish, to the rest of the weapon.
Full length 3-Bands a not rare items to find but at the same time, not common in the UK. An interesting US service musket which has certainly stood the test of time well and would be an impressive asset to any military rifle colection.
£1475.00
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