This is an example of a Joslyn breech loading rifle. The Joslyn Rifle was the first breech loading rifle manufactured at a national armory. Springfield Armory assembled 3,007 of these rifles in January to June of 1865, utilizing breech units supplied by Joslyn Firearms Company and specially fabricated barrels and stocks designed at the armory specifically for this action. The rifle was chambered for the 50-60-450 cartridge loaded at the Frankfort Arsenal. Springfield Armory subsequently re-chambered 1,600 of the Joslyn Rifles for the 50-70 cartridge; these rifles were exported to France in 1870. Experts believe that some Joslyn Rifles were issued to the Union Army before the Civil War ended in April 1865. The rifle has a 35 1/2 inch barrel chambered for the 50-60-450 Joslyn rimfire cartridge. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight and a two leaf folding rear sight with 300 and 500 yard graduations. The barrel, barrel bands, trigger guard, ramrod and buttplate are arsenal bright. The breech, lock and hammer are casehardened. The lock plate is dated "1864" behind the hammer and marked with the Eagle and Shield followed by "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the hammer. The rear of the breechblock is marked "M/1172" and the matching serial number is marked on the upper tang. Mounted with a full length walnut stock with three barrel bands and carbine style buttplate marked "US" on the tang. There is a sling swivel mounted on the middle barrel band and on the front of the trigger guard.

Fair. The barrel, trigger guard and barrel bands have a smooth mottled gray patina. There are a number of minor dings and dents on the barrel. The lock, hammer and breechblock have a smooth dark patina and the buttplate has a mottled gray patina with pitting on the heel. The stock is also good with some chipping on the edge of the ramrod channel, and overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The ramrod is absent. The markings are legible. The action is fine.