Civil War era Springfield Model 1863 Rifle-Musket, .50 caliber. Lock plate marked 1863 U.S. SPRINGFIELD with eagle logo and dated 1863. Converted in 1866 to a breech loader, marked "1866" with eagle head on top of loading door. 40" round barrel and three barrel bands, each marked with a "U" on the right side. The bayonet is Civil War period, but does not fit this rifle; possibly for a later Springfield Trapdoor .45-70. Overall 56" L; Barrel 40" L. Historical Note: The Ordnance Department was directed to convert the existing muzzle-loaders to a standard breech-loading arm. The system that was selected was a relatively simple one developed by Erskine S. Allin, the Master Armorer of Springfield Armory. This "Allin conversion" consisted primarily of removing the top portion of the rear of the barrel and replacing it with a hinged breech block, which soon was nicknamed the "trap door." Five thousand Model 1865 conversions were produced at Springfield, utilizing the older rifle muskets and retaining their .58" caliber. www.nps.gov/

CONDITION: Overall good condition. Minor marks on wood and metal from age and use. 40% bluing remaining on barrel. Action cycles smoothly, hammer holds half and full cock and releases with trigger pull. Loading gate opens smoothly and locks closed. Bore is clean with good rifling.