September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Barrel length is 31-1/2, caliber is .58 bore. This rifle began life in 1864 as a Parkers Snow & Company contract rifle made in the pattern of the 1863 musket. The lock plate is dated 1864 with U.S. eagle and Parker Snow & Company Meriden, Connecticut. It is a conversion using the W.H & G. Miller conversion patented May 23, 1865. The conversion block is also stamped Meriden, Connecticut. This was an early Trapdoor type conversion system to allow use of self contained cartridge. The conversion was installed, the stock was grooved to allow cartridge access and the barrel and stock were shortened. It still retains most of its original issue parts, has the U.S. stamped rear barrel band, stamped military sight, trigger guard is missing one screw, buttplate is stamped U.S., original post front sight, two barrel bands with front nose cap and original metal rod. All metal is deep dark patina, wood has several cracks at wrist and numerous dents. The conversion block has replaced hinge screw, lock is well marked. These conversions preformed after the Civil War are an extremely interesting genre of their own. It is obvious this rifle saw use in the Civil War and saw use after its conversion.