Allin Conversion Model 1866 single-shot trapdoor breechloader rifle with a 36 5/8" round barrel in 50-70 Government centerfire caliber. The rifle features walnut stocks with most metal parts (lockplate, trigger guard, etc.) reused from Model 1863/1864 muskets. The lockplate is marked 1864. The sights are the typical Civil War-style rear sight + front sight. The breechblock is marked “1866” with an eagle head. The condition is okay overall and the firearm is mechanically functioning. The metal shows signs of heavy use consistent with age. The spring operating the breech block lever is a homemade replacement. The lands and grooves of the bore are visible but light rust and pitting is present. The stocks have been sanded and refinished. There are numerous repairs including filled holes in the tang and stabilized cracks. The stocks have been decorated with over 100 flat brass tacks, and numerous small round tacks. It is unknown when the rifle was refinished and the tacks were added. The Springfield Model 1866 (Second Allin Conversion / Second Model Allin Trapdoor Rifle) is a post-Civil War U.S. military breech-loading rifle developed by Erskine S. Allin, Master Armorer at Springfield Armory. It was the improved follow-up to the experimental Model 1865 "First Allin Conversion. After the Civil War, the U.S. Army had huge stocks of .58-caliber percussion rifled muskets (mostly Model 1863/1864 types) but needed modern breech-loaders that used metallic cartridges. Allin's simple "trapdoor" design involved milling open the top of the barrel breech and hinging a breechblock on top. The Model 1866 (Second Allin) had a stronger U-shaped spring extractor, a more reliable design, and a switch to the powerful new .50-70 Government centerfire cartridge. About 52,000 were converted/produced at Springfield Armory from 1867–1869. Manufactured circa 1867

PERIOD: 19th Century

ORIGIN: Massachusetts, United States

SIZE: 36 5/8" Barrel Length, 50-70 Government Caliber