Roberts Conversion of Civil War Trenton Musket

Trenton 1863 Rifle converted by Roberts in 1867 to .58 Rim-Fire

Starting life as a contracted American Civil War rifle, this weapon was soon “upgraded” as new technology found its way on to the battlefield after the war.   New, self contained cartridges were making their mark and this rifle became a .58′ Rim-fire.  There were at the time numeous conversions of the Civil War musket being developed and this particular one is something akin to a mixture between the Trapdoor and the falling block Martini rifles.  However, in its first manifestation, it was the standard weapon of the Civil War – a muzzle loading 1861 Pattern rifle, variations of which served both sides.  Two Northern gentlemen, by the names of Addison M. Burt and James T. Hodge, combined their efforts to produce, for the North, this three-band muzzle loader which they did with some success.  Theye were not marked with either name but instead with the name “TRENTON” after the Trenton Locomotive and Machine Company premisis they leased for the process.

Around 1867 it was converted under the Roberts Patent, to the weapon we see today, here offered.  Interestingly, one of the large, short lived rim-fire cartridges of the period.  This conversion was carried out by Providence Tool Company.  The rifle is 56″ long in overall length.  The barrel 38″ and the trigger Pull still 13.1/2″ to centre.  The conversion consists of a replacement shoe which was added to the shortened breech end of the barrel. The LHS of which is marked “ROBERTS PAT / JUNE 11 1867”.   A hook lever rather similar to the Monkey-Tail mechinism, when actuated, drops a breech block, with a loading shute that opens the breech and allows the loading or ejection of the next shell.  Then, upon cocking the hammer, the tail of the catch would close the breech ready for firing.  When the trigger was pulled the altered hammer would fall on a rim-fire firing pin and set off the cartridge.  The action still functions perfectly well except the main spring is weak.

Standard M1861 pattern rear sights.  The bevelled lock has the original standard Trenton marking and the US Eagle with the date 1864 at the rear of the lock.  All the surfaces are dark steel with some level of corrosion and pitting.  The buttplate tang is marked “U.S.”  Three bands secure the barrel, all marked with the open Springfield “U” marking. attached are two sling swivels. A Tulip headed ram-rod is in position under the barrel.  The stock shows some dents and dings of a military life served and is of American Black Walnut as standard.  Reasonable bore, a little dirty with three groves.  There is a boxed cartouche on the rear face of the stock but unfortunately it is just not readable.

A fine collectible rifle that appears to have done its time, probably stationed on some lonely military outpost aftre the war. Some surface corrosion could be attended to fairly easily and then the rifle would look fine in any martial collection worth its salt.

No License required – Antique

£ 1400.

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