William H. and George W. Miller designed and patented the Miller conversion system. The Meridian Manufacturing Company altered 2,000 M-1861 muskets, mostly Parker’s Snow & Co., between 1865 and 1867. The alteration allowed the new breech to swing upward for loading a single rimfire cartridge. These conversions were chambered for the newly adopted .58 caliber rimfire cartridge.

This example was altered from an 1864 dated Parkers’ Snow & Co. M-1861 rifle musket. The barrel is 39 inches long. All gun metal is clean and in good matching condition. Butt plate is marked “U.S”. Lock plate marked “PARKERS’ SNOW & CO. / MERIDEN, CONN.” with an eagle over “U.S.” and dated 1864. Hammer was altered to have a flat striking surface. Original two-leaf rear sight remains. Three barrel bands, nose cap, band springs, trigger guard, and sling swivels are all present and original. Model 1861 swelled-shank ramrod is present and still has the threads on the end.  Bore is bright with good rifling.

Walnut stock has beautiful color and original finish. There are minor dings, dents, and scratches from age and storage. No cracks.

A channel has been carved out of the stock at the breech to allow loading of the new metallic cartridges. The Miller breech pieces are clean and marked on the top of the breech piece is, “W. H. & G. W. MILLER / PATENT MAY 23 1865 / MERIDEN MAN’F’G. CO. / MERIDEN CONN.”  The mechanical function is excellent and is complete with spring and ejector. Numbered “766” inside.

Only about 2000 of these were converted by the Meriden Manufacturing Company. Records indicate fifty were issued to the Maryland Militia and that Schuyler, Hartley, & Graham purchased 45 from the New York Militia Arsenal.

A scarce alteration in very good condition.   [jet] [ph:L]

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