^Lot 24 Rare Miller Breechloading Alteration to Civil War Model 1861 Rifle-Musket

Rare Miller Breechloading Alteration to Civil War Model 1861 Rifle-Musket, NVSN, .58 RF cal., 38.25" round barrel with standard sights, front-hinged "trapdoor"-style breechblock having auto-extraction marked "W.H. & G.W. Miller/Patent May 23, 1865" over "Meriden Man'fg. Co./Meriden, Conn." outside, "1241" inside; beveled lockplate has "(spread-wing federal eagle/shield)/ U.S." and "Parkers' Snow & Co./Meriden, Conn." ahead of hammer, "1864" behind; steel fittings include 2-pc. trigger guard with sling swivel, buttplate marked "U.S." at tang, 3 spring-retained bands (middle with swivel), nosecap, tulip-tip ramrod. Oil-finished walnut fullstock. Mfg'd 1864, in approx. 2,000 qty. Condition is good, being generally smooth gray/brown gunmetal (10" of barrel cleaned bright below muzzle, shows weld) having sharp edges and markings. Stock is sound with generally light age and use marks, 3" secure V-crack at front lock bolt, original "feathering" at butt, later thin finish (section ahead of middle band appears to have been added). Action is crisp, breechblock hinge strong, bore shows oxidation, sharp rifling (smoothbore section ahead of upper band was welded on). Est.: $600-$800. (Antique)