May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/9/2024
Manufactured circa 1866 from leftover Civil War musket parts with National Armory bright barrel sleeved to .50 caliber, bayonet lug front sight, 2-leaf musket rear sight, "1866" dated Allin conversion trapdoor breech block, "1862" dated Springfield lock plate, and "111" rack numbered walnut musket stock with standard iron mounts. Dealer-shortened to 2-band cadet configuration and subsequently purchased by the Citizens Association of Chicago, marked with a large "CA" over the breech. Founded in 1874, the Citizens Association sought to improve conditions in Chicago after the great fire of 1871, including arming 2 militia regiments with 599 trapdoor rifles, cannon, and a Gatling gun purchased for the grand sum of $28,000. It is believed at least some of rifles were obtained from Schuyler, Harley, and Graham via Chicago Dealer E.E. Eaton, with 2 orders of 100 similar configuration rifles noted in 1878, likely supplemented by purchases from Bannerman. The Association loaned 296 of their breech-loading rifles, cannon, and the Gatling gun to the Chicago City Police, who had lost stands of arms during the fire. This trapdoor appears to be one of these loaned rifles, marked with a "CCP" Chicago City Police stamp at the tang. Accompanied by research compiled about these highly interesting rifles. CONDITION: Good. Metal has developed a light brown patina, protected areas still bright. Stock has scattered impressions throughout and a line of kill mark hashes along the comb. Strong bore with some cleaned oxidation spots. Crisp mechanics. A very interesting, documented Chicago Police arm.
Model
1866 Second Allin Conversion