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Rare Springfield Trapdoor Merlett conversion Prototype
Guns International #: 101499557 Seller's Inventory #: 16957
Category: Springfield Rifles - Trapdoor - Springfield Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: Joe Salter com
Company: Down East Antiques - Joe Salter
Member Since: 9/10/10
First Name: Garrick-March-Jim-Joe
Last Name: Salter
State: New Hampshire
Zip: 03031
Country: United States
Phone: (603) 732-4000
Fax: (603) 732-4200
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1194
Total Number of Listings: 20173
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
We have a 30 day Inspection Period and NOT a 3 day Inspection.
Payment Types Accepted: We take all major credit cards with NO CREDIT CARD FEES! Also Check or Money order.
About Us: Joe Salter has been in the Antique and Collector Weapons business for 60 years as both a collector and dealer. Our company is based in Southern New Hampshire and we have had an internet based store front for the past 20 years. We are federally licensed and deal in all types of firearms and related material.
Description:
A unique and rare conversion of a 1864 US Springfield rifled musket. This breech-loading conversion was patented by John Merlett of Bound Brook New Jersey on August 18th 1868. The design of the mechanism was intended to convert muzzle-loading musket to breech-loading by the installation of an 8 1/2" laterally-swinging breech unit opening to the right. The breech-piece (held against spring tension by a sliding latch plate) would open upon cocking the hammer through the engagement of a small stud on the interior surface of the hammer that pulled the latch plate back thereby releasing the breech. The metal has been lightly cleaned to a mild pewter gray patina throughout and has some small scattered specks of pinprick pitting on the barrel and other components. The bore is bright and rates excellent. The opening bridge that engages the hammer stud is broken off and missing but the sliding latch plate can be easily opened manually and the breech-piece (whose spring is still quite stout) snaps open quite smartly when released. This unique conversion followed the earlier breech-loading conversions such as the Roberts and the Allin, however there is very little information available concerning these extremely interesting arms. This is a very rare American conversion and possibly a preproduction prototype. Antique
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Spfld
Model: Trapdoor