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Rare Springfield-Joslyn's Patent 1865 Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:450.00 USD
Rare Springfield-Joslyn's Patent 1865 Rifle
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Very Rare U.S. Springfield-Joslyn's Patent 1865 Rifle, #M2977 (on barrel tang), .50-70 CF cal., 35.5'' round barrel with block-blade front (doubles as a bayonet lug) and two-leaf rear sights, is unmarked; domed breechblock with left-side hinge and knurled release knob on right, is marked ''2774'' on top, and ''B.F. Joslyn's Patent/Oct. 6, 1861 June 24, 1862'' on rear face; beveled lockplate (likely altered from a M1863 lock) is marked ''(spread-wing eagle with olive branches)/U.S./Springfield'' under breech, and ''1864'' behind hammer; steel furniture includes two-piece trigger guard with sling swivel, buttplate marked ''US'' at top screw, three spring-retained barrel bands (middle with sling swivel), and nosecap; oil-stained walnut fullstock has a faint inspector's cartouche on raised apron opposite lock, and is marked ''Y'' over ''L'' on belly. Condition is very good to fine. All steel surfaces retain their original ''arsenal bright'' finish that has lightly age-toned, edges and markings are sharp and clear. Stock is sound and smooth with the expected marks of normal military use, and nice grain and color. Action is strong and smooth; bore is brilliant with sharp rifling; the gun has seen little actual use. This rifle was not a post-war cartridge alteration to a Civil War rifle-musket, but the first breech-loading cartridge arm made in quantity by a national armory. The breech units (designed for the .50-60-450 Joslyn RF cartridge) were supplied by Joslyn to Springfield Armory in early 1865, where they were assembled with new barrels, locks and stocks specifically made for this action. Of the 3,007 rifles made, Springfield then altered 1,600 to .50-70 CF, such as this example, with correct mixed serial numbers. Thus, they are rarely seen or offered for sale today. Est.: $900-$1,200. (Antique)