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Parkers' Snow & Co. Model 1861 Perc. Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:250.00 USD
Parkers' Snow & Co. Model 1861 Perc. Rifle
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Civil War Parkers' Snow & Co. Model 1861 Muzzleloading Percussion Infantry Rifle-Musket, altered to Breechloading Cartridge Rifle by the Miller Patent Method, NVSN, .58 RF cal., 32'' round barrel with block-blade front sight (doubles as bayonet lug) and three-leaf rear sight; unique top-hinged ''trapdoor style'' breechblock with automatic cartridge ejector is marked ''W.H. & G.W. Miller/Patent May 23, 1865'' and ''Meriden Man'fg. Co./Meriden, Conn.'' on top and batch-marked ''303'' inside; beveled lockplate with spread-wing eagle over ''U.S.'' to left of ''Parkers' Snow & Co./Meriden, Conn.'' ahead of hammer and ''1864'' behind; steel furniture including two-piece triggerguard with sling swivel at front, two spring-retained barrel bands (top band with sling swivel), buttplate marked ''U.S.'' at top tang, nosecap, and slotted ramrod having cannelures and a button tip; oil-stained walnut fullstock. Mfg'd ca. 1863-64; altered ca. 1865-67. Condition is near fine, the steel surfaces having a smooth aged ''arsenal bright'' finish with sharp edges and clear markings. Stock shows the expected dings and scrapes of military use but solid and otherwise without damage. Action is smooth and tight; bore is bright with sharp rifling; patent breechblock functions as designed. A fascinating and effective post-war modernization of an obsolete military arm; the ''Parkers'' of Parkers' Snow & Co. were the progenitors of the famed ''Parker Brothers'' line of American shotguns. Est.: $500-$1,000. (Antique)