Civil War Kentucky Model Meriden Triplett & Scott Repeating Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $855
WOA#: WY240327LG024
Make: Meriden Manufacturing Company of Meriden, Connecticut
Model: Triplett & Scott Repeating Rifle
Serial Number: 2545
Year of Manufacture: 1864-1865
Caliber: .50 Rimfire
Action Type: Twist Opening Breech Repeating Rifle with Tubular Magazine in Buttstock
Markings: The left side of the breech is marked “KENTUCKY” and the right side is marked “2”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MERIDEN MAN’FG. CO. / MERIDEN, CONN.”. The right side of the receiver is marked “2545”. The upper tang is marked “TRIPLETT & SCOTT / PATENT DEC. 6, 1864”.
Barrel Length: The round barrel is 30” in length. (Long Barrel Version 1 of 3,000)
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the top of the barrel that resembles an inverted “V” when viewed from the rear. The rear sight is a ladder sight. There is a “V” notch at the base of the ladder, which is visible when the ladder is folded down. When the ladder is folded up, there are “U” notches on both the slider and the ladder. The ladder is unmarked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut. The buttstock has a smooth straight grip and a carbine style steel buttplate, and is cut-out at its left front for the magazine tube to pass through it. There is a sling swivel inlet into the belly and a single barrel band on the forend. The buttstock shows oil staining over its entire surface, and the forend shows oil staining at the receiver and in front of the barrel band. There is a slight gap between the buttstock and the back edge of the upper tang and the buttstock and the top rear of the receiver on both sides. The left side of the wrist is cracked from the edge of the magazine tube to the rear for about 7”. This crack is typical on most examples of these rifles. The buttstock shows multiple dings, drag lines, and scrape marks in its finish. It also shows multiple light handling marks and a few dings and bruises in its rear section. The LOP measures 14 5/16” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows a dark patina with several scabs of erosion. The buttplate is in about Good condition. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: The barrel and breech were originally blued, and the receiver was case colored.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, though turning dark at the muzzle. There is light wear in the rifling and moderate to heavy erosion near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at 6/10 for a Civil War Era Rifle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30-40% of its metal finish. The barrel, magazine tube, trigger guard, and breechblock have a plum colored patina developing and the receiver and upper tang are developing a dark patina. The pivot cap at the front of the breechblock retains most of its blued finish, and there is a small amount of bluing left on the breechblock. There are spots of faint erosion on the receiver and tangs. The screw heads are sharp but with light tool marks. The markings are clear. There is an aftermarket screw drilled into the upper tang with a bright blue finish. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition given its age.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly except for the trigger’s return spring. Everything else functions as intended. The button at the top rear of the receiver releases the breechblock to rotate, the extractor works, and the cover over the end of the magazine tube rotates back into place correctly after being pushed aside by the breechblock. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the trigger pull is crisp. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Meriden Manufacturing Company was co-founded by Charles Parker who later became well known for his fantastic shotguns. In 1865, a contract was finalized between the State of Kentucky and Meriden Mfg. Co. for 5,000 Triplett & Scott rifles and carbines to arm their Home Guard troops, who had been mustered into service to protect the supply lines of the Union Army under General Sherman. However, the arms were received too late for service in the Civil War. This rifle is in about Very Good condition and would be rated higher except for the stock and slight erosion at the muzzle. Overall, the action works correctly for the most part and is still in the original stock with original metal finish and sharp markings. This rifle is historically significant as the second venture into arms making by Charles Parker, who went on to co-found the most famous of all American shotgun manufacturing firms. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -L.S.
