MERIDEN Mfg. Co. Antique MILLER CONVERSION U.S. M1861 .58 RF Rifle-MUSKET 1864 Dated Antique PARKERS, SNOW & CO. Breech Loader

Description:
 MERIDEN Mfg. Co. Antique MILLER CONVERSION U.S. M1861 .58 RF Rifle-MUSKET 

1864 Dated Antique PARKERS, SNOW & CO. Breech Loader

Here Ancestry Guns presents an antique Meriden Manufacturing Company Miller Conversion of a U.S. Model 1861 to a .58 Caliber Rimfire Breech Loading Rifle, made circa 1863 and converted circa 1865-67 in Meriden, Connecticut. Only about 2,000 are known to have been made. Production of the U.S. Model 1861/63 rifle musket was in excess of 1 million during the American Civil War between Springfield Armory, Harpers Ferry and about 20 different contractors. It represented a streamlined and, in some ways, technologically advanced musket capable of accurate fire when compared to previous generations of American muskets. Yet it was adopted during a period of rapid innovation that would make it obsolescent before the war drew to a close.

This conversion, undertaken by the Meriden Manufacturing Company of Connecticut, produced the “Miller Model 1861”. The conversion was named for the patent holders William H. and George W. Miller. In the system, a release catch found along the top of the barrel was used to break the action open along a hinge, exposing the breech for inserting a cartridge. The patented arrangement was featured in Parkers, Snow & Company Model 1861 rifles.

The Parkers Snow Contract Model 1861 was the chosen host for this conversion. The lock is stamped with a large spread-winged eagle over “U.S.” and marked “PARKERS’ SNOW & CO. / MERIDEN, CONN” in front of the hammer. The date of “1863” is stamped back of the hammer. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms, “it represents the first venture in firearms manufacturing by Charles Parker of Meriden, Connecticut. Originally a manufacturer of hardware, he soon, after the Civil War, in 1866-1867 formed what was to become the most famous of all-American shotgun Manufacturers, the famous “Parker Brothers”. These are known to have been issued to New York and Maryland militias after the war.
The overall condition is very good. Original bright gray patina. The stock is solid with less than expected wear and minor faint grain splits. Legible markings. The action is robust. Bright bore with sharp rifling. The rear sight adjustment is frozen. Shortened barrel. Turned down muzzle to be able to accept the bayonet.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 37-3/4 inches.

Caliber: .58 Rimfire

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$3375

#259369
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $3,375.00
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