William H. and George W. Miller designed and patented the Miller conversion system. The Meridian Manufacturing Company altered 2,000 Model-1861 muskets, mostly Parker’s Snow & Co., between 1865 to 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. Model-1861 rifle musket. The barrel is 39 inches. All original (m-1861) iron parts have a matching even smooth light patina and in excellent 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” ramrod is present and the original threads are in excellent condition.  Bore has deep rifling with a few areas of light pitting.

Walnut stock has an attractive pleasing appearance with excellent sharp edges. There are a few minor dings, dents and scratches from normal use and storage. It has no cracks or splits visible. 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 with deep clear markings on the top of the breech piece reading, “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.

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 excellent condition.  [KN] [ph:L]

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