1256

Scarce Joslyn Model 1870 Breech-Loading 50-70 Cartridge Conversion Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:1,600.00 - 2,500.00 USD
Scarce Joslyn Model 1870 Breech-Loading 50-70 Cartridge Conversion Rifle
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.
Scarce Joslyn Model 1870 Breech-Loading 50-70 Cartridge Conversion Rifle

This is a very rare example of a late manufactured Model 1870 Joslyn Breech-Loading Trials Rifle, with approximately 1600 manufactured in total. Originally the Joslyn carbines were manufactured in 1863/65, chambered in the 50-60-450 cartridge, and is considered as the first true "breech-loading" rifle that was ever manufactured at a National Armory. With the development of the new "50-70" cartridge, in 1868, approximately 1600 were converted by Springfield Armory, in late 1869/70 time frame to the new centerfire cartridge. The conversion process consisted of rechambering the barrels for the new cartridge and then converting the breech blocks from the old rimfire cartridge to the new centerfire cartridge. Additionally, it has been determined that the entire lot of 1600 rifles were exported to France in 1870 for use in the Franco-Prussian War. The barrel has a folding single leaf rear sight with two apertures graduated for 300 and 500 yards. The barrel, barrel bands, trigger guard, ramrod and buttplate are "arsenal bright". The breech, lock and hammer are casehardened. The lock plate is dated "1864" behind the hammer and marked in front of the hammer with the Eagle and Shield followed by "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD". The rear of the breech is marked: "B.F. JOSLYN'S PATENT / OCT 6 1861 JUNE 24 1862". The top of the breech-block is numbered "M 203" and the barrel tang is stamped with serial number "M/2442", which is absolutely correct as this mismatch happened during the conversion at Springfield Armory. The only stock proof is a capital "L" stamped behind the lower tang. It is complete with the original iron ramrod and the steel buttplate stamped: "U.S." on top of the heel.

Manufacture: Springfield Armory U.S.
Model: Joslyn
BBL: 35 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50-70 U.S. Govt
Finish: armory bright
Grips:
Serial Number: M203

Fine condition with the National Armory bright polish on the exposed metal parts. The breech block and lock plate do show some old minor erosion or pitting in a few areas. The stock is in fine condition with a nice darker brown oil finish with minor light handling marks and numerous scattered pressure dents on the sides in various areas. Mechanically the breech block and lock mechanism all work correctly with a strong mainspring. A scarce example of a Model 1870 Joslyn trials rifle.