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Desirable Springfield Armory Model 1865 First Model Allin Conversion Two Band Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:2,750.00 - 4,250.00 USD
Desirable Springfield Armory Model 1865 First Model Allin Conversion Two Band Rifle
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Desirable Springfield Armory Model 1865 First Model Allin Conversion Two Band Rifle

This is a very desirable first model Allin conversion rifle. Originally there were only 5,000 total 1st model rifles produced circa 1865. this example was correctly Armory shortened to the more convenient 35 1/2 inch barrel length as measured from the muzzle to the end of the barrel, (in front of the breech plug). Originally developed by Erskine Allin, the master armorer at Springfield Armory in 1864, it was designed to utilize the sizeable quantities of Model 1863 percussion rifles that were stockpiled at various Army depots following the Civil War. The first model Allin conversions were somewhat unique and did not readily conform to later rifles and consequently are very scarce to find in original condition. The distinct features of these early first Allin conversions are that they retained the original 58 caliber percussion barrel, they were chambered in a "58 RF" cartridge, the breech end of the barrel was milled out and fitted with a high arched breechblock, (the metallic cartridge conversion portion), with the right side of the receiver and breech modified by the installation of a rack and pinion/spring loaded extractor/ejector assembly. This assembly operates by opening and closing the breechblock. Although new and innovative for 1865, it proved to be somewhat fragile and unreliable when firing the early metallic cartridges and was completely replaced with the second model Allin conversions. The lock plate is marked "1865" behind the hammer, with the "Springfield Armory Eagle/Shield and Crossed Arrows" motif and "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" marked ahead of the hammer. The rear of the barrel has been milled away with the partial date"863" marked ahead of the tang and a partial "P/Eagle Head" proof on the left rear barrel flat. The locking latch is correctly checkered on the side of the latch. The barrel has the Armory bright finish with the small two-leaf rear sight with the small blade front sight. It is fitted with the full length walnut stock that was correctly shortened by Springfield Armory. It was cut back with the first barrel band correctly modified by brazing on a sling swivel and thinning of the front end of the stock. The left side has a double cartouche; a single oval "ESA" final inspection cartouche and a single oval "SWP" cartouche validating the shortening of the barrel. It has the two barrel bands with a flat steel buttplate stamped with "US" on the heel. It is complete with an original tulip-head ramrod.

Manufucture: Springfield Armory U.S.
Model: 1866 ALLIN CONVERSION
BBL: 35 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Guage: 58 RF
Finish: Armory Bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN

Fine condition overall with the barrel retaining its original Armory Bright finish mixed with some old aged dark spots and minor light pitting on top of the barrel with heavy pitting on the front end of the barrel and nose cap. The breechblock and conversion mechanism retain 10% of its blue finish mostly in the protected areas. The lock plate and hammer retain 50% of the faded case colors with more color in the protected areas. The stock is in fine condition with a nice original dark brown color overall with numerous light pressure dents and dings on the sides, with clear visible cartouches. A scarce example of a first model Allin conversion rifle.