Springfield Armory Joslyn Breech .50-60-450 Single-Shot Rifle, 1865 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1591.59
LSB#: 200627BN04
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: Joslyn Breech Loader
Serial Number: 1092
Year of Manufacture: 1865
Caliber: 50-60-450 Joslyn Rimfire
Action Type: Pivoting breech-block single-shot rimfire carbine.
Markings: The rear of the breechblock is marked “B.F. JOSLYN’S PATENT / OCT 8th 1861 JUNE 24TH 1862”. The serial number, “1092” appears twice under “M”, on the breechblock and the grip tang. The lock plate is marked with “1864”, an eagle, and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”. The top of the buttplate is marked “US”.
Barrel Length: 32 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a rectangular base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up u-notch/peep-sight combination.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with sheet steel butt plate, straight comb, straight grip, three barrel bands, and steel-capped forend with cleaning rod groove. Sling swivels are located on the front of the guard and on the base of the mid barrel band. There are light nicks and dings scattered about, but most notable on the comb and upper edges of the forend. The LOP measures 13 1/2? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The plate has gone to a light patina with minor nicks and dings throughout. Overall, the stock rates in Good-to-Very Good condition, as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued Breechblock and Bright Barrel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion, but minor stubborn fouling can be seen in spots.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 66% of its blued finish. The forward areas of the barrel have scattered patches of darker patina. The barrel otherwise has very minor scattered spots of surface oxidation and minor pitting. The breechblock has scattered light spots of surface oxidation as well as a few minor nicks in spots. Screws are lightly tool marked but all have usable slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good-to-Fine condition, as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Believed to be a post-war conversion rifle for a very long time, new information discovered tells us that this Joslyn rifle was indeed patented/designed/fabricated in the later years of the Civil War, and is the first breech-loading cartridge rifle made in large quantities—substantial is entirely relative of course, and only 3,007 pieces were made. Springfield Armory produced these rifles with the Joslyn-made action. The stock was made specifically for the action, and very little of the component parts are carried over from other Springfield arms. Among Civil War era rifles, this one is unique and rare. Good luck and happy bidding!