Guns International #: 103188362
Seller's Inventory #: 250380

Category - Antique Rifles - Cartridge - Enfield Rifles

Category
Antique Rifles - Cartridge
Enfield Rifles

SCARCE POST-CIVIL WAR Antique ROBERTS CONVERSION TWO-BAND ENFIELD Rifle Invented by Union General Benjamin S. Roberts

Description:
SCARCE POST-CIVIL WAR Antique ROBERTS CONVERSION TWO-BAND ENFIELD Rifle

Invented by Union General Benjamin S. Roberts

Here we present an antique British “Pattern 1860 Two-Band Enfield” Robert’s Conversion Rifle, made in 1861 in England and converted by the Providence Tool Company in Providence, Rhode Island circa 1869-70. The “two band” short rifle was first introduced in 1856. However, unlike almost all produced, it was not updated with the Snider breech loading system, as it was converted using the “Roberts Conversion” method.

Union General Benjamin S. Roberts invented the .58 Roberts center fire cartridge and developed a conversion system for muzzle-loading muskets. Although the U.S. Ordnance Board chose the Allin system over Roberts’, New York was impressed and ordered 10,000 converted rifles in 1867. Roberts contracted the Providence Tool Company to modify stored muskets into breech-loading rifles.

Heading into 1869 the New York legislature refused to fund the purchase, leaving Roberts on the hook for the work already performed by Providence Tool, which included 2,000 completed arms. Roberts managed to arrange a contract with the State of South Carolina to purchase 5,000 of the altered guns to arm their National Guard regiments. The Providence Tool Company also sold a number of the altered muskets to France in wake of the Franco Prussian War. The vast majority of the alterations were performed on Springfield (and contract makers) U.S. Model 1861 and Model 1863/64 Rifle Muskets, with this being the exception making it quite scarce.

On this example the lock is marked 1861/TOWER on the front of the lock, and it is marked with a Queen’s Crown to the rear of the hammer. However, there is no “V.R.” under the crown, which could indicate that this weapon was not intended for a British Military contract but was aimed at the overseas market, most specifically the Confederate States, who were embroiled in the American Civil War. This is interesting given the South Carolina contract in the post-war period. The system had two main flaws: 1) the conversion made the stock around the action too thin, which is why you see a brass plate on this one and general weakness and repair around the lock, and 2) the tip of the ramrod closest to the shooter interfered with the full opening of the breech, so the ramrod had to be pulled out a few inches to load and unload this rifle. Needless to say, these were serious flaws in the design; nevertheless, this rifle is quite rare and still an interesting and important piece of firearms history!

The overall condition is good. Original smooth plum patina.  The action is strong and functions as it should. Good bore for its age with strong rifling. Markings and proofs are legible. Solid stock overall and contains an average amount of scuffs and dings. A long scratch is present on the right buttstock. A brass plate repair has been made to the wood on the left side of the action. “WHITEHOUSE” is marked on the left wrist flat. A hand inscribed “B” is marked on the buttstock toe.

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

Barrel is 31-3/4 inches.

Caliber: .58 Roberts

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$2200

#250380
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $2,200.00
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