Springfield Armoury Second Model Allin Trapdoor

Second Model Allin Conversion from Civil War Percussion Musket

One of 25,000 Civil War single shot muskets converted by Springfield under the design of Erskine S. Allin in 1866.  However, this example is a little unusual as it has a “1865” marked lock.  This rifle is chambered in a .50 – 70 cartridge using a newly cut breech system that tips up and earned the name “The Trapdoor.”  They used the original M1863 musket barrel , bored it out to an even larger diameter, then inserted and brazed in a .50″ calibre tube.  Evidence can be seen of this when closely examining the muzzle where a bright ring is visible.

Overall the rifle is 56″ long.  The round unblued barrel is 40″ long and the trigger Pull is 13.1/2″.  Superb one-piece American Black Walnut stock with straight wrist.  The barrel is secured by one single main screw at the rear of the hut  and three barrel bands – all with the open “U” Springfield marking.  The rifle has a Musket style steel butt-plate, marked on the top tang “U.S.”.  The original lock sits proud of the timber surface and is finished as the rest of the rifle in the white. Markings upon the lock face are clear  and very legible as the face has never been refinished.  They include the date “1865” behind the hammer and the American Eagle clutching four broken arrows are the words; “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”  These rifles are most commonly encountered with locks that are either dated 1863 or 1864, to that end this example is unusual.

The underside of the breech block is straight in form with a latch on the side which locks it down.  On top of the lock, just behind the hinge, is the date “1866 / eagles head motif”.  This is what becomes known as the “Federal Eagle.”  The hammer spring is very strong and lock up in holding the hammer in its two positions, highly positive.  The inside of the breech is extremely clean and also shows the ejector which will out the cartridge upon opening.

Steel trigger guard with rear sling mount to front.  Mid band has sling swivel attached.  Rear flip-up sight with three aiming points, ranges marked on the front; “3 , 5,  7,” (Hundred yards) When the ladder is down it presents an open “U” notch to be used.  Front sight on a small block.  Cleaning rod a/f.  The bore in this rifle is in wonderful condition, bright and very clear with strong three grove rifling.  The stock is in fine condition with little dirt, oil staining or significant damage apparent over the whole surface.  The majority of the metal work was not blued and finished in the white so a speckling effect of brown surface corrosion has started to form all over.  It does not appear detrimental to the material or the look of the rifle and as originally unfinished, can only be expected after 158 years.  None of that tarnish seems to have broken the surface.

A fine piece of American history which has been around longer than the internal combustion engine.  A chance to own a piece of history.

No License required

£ 1450.

Comments Off on Springfield Armoury Second Model Allin Trapdoor