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Springfield Model 1866 2nd Model Allin Military Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:300.00 USD
Springfield Model 1866 2nd Model Allin Military Rifle
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Two-Band Variant U.S. Springfield Model 1866 ''2nd Model Allin'' Single Shot Military Rifle, NVSN, .50 CF cal., 33'' unmarked round barrel (measured from muzzle to breech face; 36'' overall) with block/blade front sight (doubles as a bayonet mounting lug) and single-leaf rear; trapdoor marked at hinge ''1866'' over eaglehead; steel lockplate marked ''U.S./Springfield'' in two lines with detailed spread-eagle holding olive branches at left and ''1864'' to rear of hammer; one-piece walnut fullstock held by two spring-retained barrel bands (sling swivel at top band); steel triggerguard with sling swivel at front; steel buttplate stamped ''US'' on top tang; steel ramrod. Originally finished in arsenal ''bright'' with oil-finished stock. Condition is good to very good showing an overall deep brown age patina to steel parts with scattered shallow pitting. Stock shows dings and light wear from military use but is solid and without losses. Action is strong and positive; bore is fairly shiny with distinct rifling and should improve with cleaning. Converted post-Civil War from surplus Model 1863 percussion muskets to the then-new Allin pattern metallic cartridge breechloader. There exists some controversy about the origins of these two-band variation rifles: a single document dated Jan. 6, 1883 from Springfield Armory states ''.musket Cal. 50 Model 1866 (Short). Ready for issue.''; yet some consider them to be commercial civilian alterations. Certainly this rifle exhibits not only genuine age but what appears to be arsenal quality workmanship. Est.: $600-$900. (Antique)