Here's an excellent and rare Springfield Armory-made Joslyn Breech Loading Rifle. After Benjamin Franklin Joslyn's breechloading carbine proved itself a reliable and popular weapon among U.S. Cavalrymen, the Springfield Armory ordered 3,000 actions to be used in the building of the first breechloading weapon ever built by a Federal arsenal. Springfield produced only 3,007 of these unique rifles between January and June of 1865. They were originally chambered for the proprietary 50-60-450 Joslyn Rimfire cartridge; and according to original records, were actually issued to combat units during the very last days of the Civil War.
After the war, Springfield converted 1,600 surplus Joslyn rifles for .50-70 Government and sold them to France during the Franco Prussian war. This makes this particular rifle one of only 1,407 left in its original chambering.
Overall, this rare rifle is in good, all complete condition. It is all original from top to bottom.
The stock is fair with some damage on the left counter pane. It appears that the rifle may have suffered a fall which cracked the stock. The cracks appear to be superficial and don't travel all the way through the lock mortise or wrist. The damage has been solidly repaired with modern epoxy so the stock would likely hold up to being fired should the gun's new owner make ammo for it.
The lock features great, legible markings and a solid half and full cock.
The breech block is fully functional and locks up securely when closed. The firing pin is in good condition - not damaged or seized. The barrel is full length and sports a great set of original front and rear sights.
The bore is good with sharps rifling and some minor scattered pitting near the breech.
The furniture is all original and in great condition; including the cleaning rod, which is full length.
