Description
The Springfield Model 1869 was an experimental rifle designed by Erskine S. Allin, the master armorer at Springfield Armory, as part of the ongoing efforts to improve the existing muzzleloading rifles used by the U.S. military. The Model 1869 was an important step in the development of what would become the iconic Springfield “Trapdoor” rifles.
Here are some key points about the Model 1869:
- Design: The Model 1869 was a breech-loading conversion of the earlier .58 caliber Springfield Model 1863 rifled musket. It retained the basic outward appearance of the muzzleloader but featured a breechblock that opened to the side to allow for the insertion of a metallic cartridge.
- Caliber: The Model 1869 was chambered in the .50-70 Government cartridge, which would later become standard in the Trapdoor rifles.
- Action: The rifle used a hinged breechblock design, similar to the later Trapdoor rifles. The breechblock was opened by lifting a lever located on the right side of the receiver.
- Sights: The Model 1869 was equipped with typical Civil War-era sights, including a rear sight graduated to 900 yards.
- Stock: The stock was made of walnut and featured a straight comb, which was a departure from the later Trapdoor rifles that had a “slanting” comb.
- Production: The Model 1869 was produced in limited numbers for testing and evaluation purposes. It was not adopted for widespread military use but served as a precursor to the successful Trapdoor rifles that followed.
In terms of value, the Model 1869 Springfield Trapdoor rifle is extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors of U.S. military firearms. Values can vary significantly depending on the specific rifle’s condition, originality, and historical provenance. As of my last update, a Model 1869 in good condition could be valued at several thousand dollars or more, but prices may vary based on the specific rifle and current market conditions.
