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Springfield Model of 1866 Trapdoor 2nd Allin Conversion
Guns International #: 102220165 Seller's Inventory #: 20
Category: Military Rifles - US - Antique Rifles - Cartridge
Seller's Information
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Seller: Jim Jr.
Company: Private Seller
Member Since: 1/14/23
State: Michigan
Country: United States
Phone: (906) 226-2146
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Certified bank check or postal money order
Description:
After the Civil War, the US military decided to adopt a breech loading, cartridge fed rifle. With a small budget and an abundance of muzzle loading rifles, the decision was made to modify existing muzzle loaders using a design by Springfield Master Armoer, Erskine S. Allin. The Springfield Armory began making Allin conversions in 1865. The process involved cutting away the top section of the rear of the muzzle loader's barrel and installing a hinged breech block to allow loading self contained cartridges in .58 caliber. These rifles were designated the Model of 1865. The large caliber and issues with the 1st Allin design led to improvements and resulted in the 2nd Allin conversion. In addition to a simplified breech block, the .58 caliber barrels were relined by brazing a steel liner into the barrel to fire the 50-70 Government cartridge. The 2nd Allin rifles were designated the Model of 1866. The hinged breech block looked like a trapdoor, hence the nick name given to the rifle. The Model of 1866 was the primary US military rifle during the Indian Wars of the 1860’s and 1870’s. The rifle’s rapid rate of fire compared to a muzzle loader played a major role in turning back larger Indian forces during the Haywagon Fight and the Wagon Box Fight, both in August of 1867. Approximately 25,000 Model of 1866 rifles were produced for the US military.
The Model of 1866 Trapdoor featured here was converted from a Civil War Springfield 1864 rifle musket. It appears to be all original and in working order. It would make a nice addition to someone's collection at a reasonable price.
- The rifle’s overall length is 56” with a barrel length of 36½“ and three barrel bands.
- The barrel, lock plate, and breech block are in the bright with no rust or pitting and a nice 160 year-old patina.
- Markings on the lock plate include a well defined eagle and “US Springfield” and “1864”. The top of the breech block is stamped “1866” along with an eagle’s head. Each of the three barrel bands are stamped with a “U”. “US” is stamped on the top of the butt plate. The left side of the barrel is stamped with a small munber "3" and an "s".
- The outline of the barrel liner can be seen by the circle on the end of the barrel (see picture).
- The bore is shiny with no pitting. The rifling is sharp. The inside of the breech block is clean with no rust or pitting.
- The original rear sight is a single-leaf design.
- It has the original ramrod.
- The wood is dark and in good condition with some dents but no cracks or repairs. The butt stock is stamped with number “902” on the right side and “4194” on the left. Early trapdoors were not stamped with a serial number, so these could be identification numbers, perhaps used by a state militia or National Guard unit.
- There is no inspector’s cartouche. I have read that it was not uncommon in the 1870’s to round off the edges of the flats on the stocks to make early models look more like the later Model of 1873 trapdoor rifles. Sanding would have removed the cartouche. It is likely the sanding on this rifle was done in the 1870’s or ‘80’s, as the stamped numbers on the butt stock are sharp and not sanded. In my pictures one can see the flats around the lock plate and on the opposite side (where the cartouche would have been) are slightly rounded off.
This firearm is sold as a collector's piece only. While it appears to be in working order, the seller has not fired it and assumes no liability for accidents or injuries resulting from its use. It is the buyer's responsibility to have this firearm checked by a qualified gunsmith prior to firing it.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .50-70 Government