Identifying a breech loading Springfield rifle

[ljm79392]

Hi everyone! My grandfather gave me an old Springfield breechloading rifle. I was hoping some members with a little more knowledge in this field, could help me identify as where and what it came from. Here's A little back story on the rifle: it was given to him from a friend of his who was of French decent, and that guy claimed it was used in some sort of war fought in the desert and was brought back when his father immigrated here. (Sorry to be vague, but am litterally quoting my grandfather word for word) any ways I have taken it apart and am in the process of attempting to recondition it. Now the breech has "1866" stamped on it, however the lock plate has "1864" stamped on it. The total length of the barrel with breech assembly is 36 inches but the bullet travels 33 inches before exiting... on the barrel their are numerous character/numerical stamping such as "R" "TB" "411" "P" "NH" and a big "8" which are all located near the end of the breech. The stock has no stamps or identifying tag but looks to be well used and definitely was knocked around once or twice... the bayonet also has a big "US" stamp on it. Ive attached pictures of the Lock, breech/barrel, stock and bayonet. have done some light googling on this rifle but really can't find much information reason being, the length of it doesn't seem to match up the Ones I've viewed. Thanks in advance if anyone knows what exactly this thing is!

--Lawrence

 

[Hussar Yeomanry]

Welcome from the UK and from The First Bull Run/ Manassas Forum

I would think you have a Springfield 'trapdoor' conversion that was done immediately post Civil War to convert the many available Springfield's in to something slightly more modern (1864 is probably the date of the rifle, 1866 the date of the conversion). However the true experts will be along shortly to confirm or deny that.

 

[Hussar Yeomanry]

Welcome from the UK and from The First Bull Run/ Manassas Forum

I would think you have a Springfield 'trapdoor' conversion that was done immediately post Civil War to convert the many available Springfield's in to something slightly more modern (1864 is probably the date of the rifle, 1866 the date of the conversion). However the true experts will be along shortly to confirm or deny that.

 

[tbuckley]

Welcome from eastern Ohio. I believe that it is a US M1866 trapdoor conversion and in .50-70 caliber.

 

[Jimklag]

Springfield Rifle

 

[ljm79392]

Thanks for the info so far! I'm more or less boggled as to how that rifle ended up in France before making its way here.

 

[ljm79392]

Springfield Rifle
View attachment 291043

It won't let me view that attachment

 

[Jimklag]

It won't let me view that attachment

now it will.

 

[ljm79392]

now it will.

Thanks......

 

[Mk VII]

The earliest of these started out as conversions from Civils War muskets (barrel bored out and relined to .50-70) as this one did, because we can see where the hinge-piece for the block has been fastened on to the barrel. Later ones had new barrels, with the reinforce for the hinge forged as part of the barrel. Many of these used Civil War lockplates with dates earlier than the rest of the gun.

 

[Mk VII]

The earliest of these started out as conversions from Civils War muskets (barrel bored out and relined to .50-70) as this one did, because we can see where the hinge-piece for the block has been fastened on to the barrel. Later ones had new barrels with the reinforce for the hinge foraged as part of the barrel. Many used Civil War lockplates with dates earlier then the

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Your breech loading Springfield began life as an American Civil War muzzleloading .58 caliber musket. Immediately after the ACW the government began altering these muskets into breech loading models. The first one adopted is known as the Allin Alteration Type 1, which had a slightly different breech and was chambered for a .58 caliber rim fire cartridge. Yours is known as the Allin Alteration, Type 2. This second version had the barrel sleeved down to a smaller caliber, which was the .50-70 center fire cartridge. The originals were full length 3-band arms with 40" barrels. The one shown here has been cut down from its original length by parties unknown. As for the story of where it came from, is just that. I would rather doubt that anyone coming through immigration were bringing firearms with them.
J.

 

[ibgreen]

Tons of surplus American arms were sold to France during the Franco Prussian war. I have a Spencer New Model that made that trip and back.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome to the forum from South Florida and the Reenactors forum

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy