The system patented by George W. Morse in 1856 and improved in 1858 was used to create the first breech loading cartridge firearms produced by the national armories. Only a limited number of Morse conversions were conducted by the national armories at Harpers Ferry and Springfield just before the Civil War using existing Model 1841 rifles (at Harpers Ferry) and Model 1816 Muskets that had already been converted once from flintlock to percussion (both locations). Morse also patented the first center fire cartridge, and thus, a proprietary center fire cartridge with metal case was manufactured for these conversions. The alteration involved machining out the breech section of the barrel and installing a rather complex action and hinged "trapdoor". According to George D. Moller in "American Shoulder Arms Volume III: Flintlock Alterations and Muzzleloading Percussion Shoulder Arms 1840-1865" only two initial sample models (April 22, 1859) and 54 production rifles were completed before production stopped in January 1860. Moller notes that 53 of these went to the Washington Arsenal. This fact is substantiated by a letter from January 1860. Moller states that of the 1,000 muskets selected to be converted 544 were listed as in the process of being converted and were sold at auction. The other 400 were simply returned to the storekeepers since they remained in usable condition as percussion rifles. Four carbine length Morse Alteration Model 1816s and four altered Model 1841 also are discussed in government documents. Copies of the letters noted above and more than thirty other documents are included with the rifle in a binder. Among the documents are many letters discussing the Morse system along with instructions for operating the rifles, patent diagrams, and photographs. The rifle has a bayonet stud, blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight graduated 1-4 on the base and 5-8 on the ladder, an 1839 dated Springfield Model 1816 lock plate, standard Model 1816 stock with two crisp cartouches, and a trumpet head ramrod. The barrel and brass bolster are both numbered "50."

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and rear barrel band are mostly bright with some patches of light patina and faint pitting. The other barrel bands and iron components have a mixture of gray and brown patina. The Morse action components retain strong, oil quenched, original case colors, and the lock plate displays rich, water quenched, original case colors. There is a few limited spots of light oxidation. The stock is also very fine with crisp cartouches, some minor pressure marks, dings, and light scratches. The action functions very well, and the markings are clear throughout. This is a very rare chance to get your hands on an important weapon in the evolution of American martial arms. Very few of these rifles survive today outside of museums. This is the very first time a Morse rifle has come through our auction house, and it may well be the last time we get the honor of offering one at auction!