The Joslyn rifle was the first breech loading rifle manufactured at a U.S. 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. A few may have seen use before the Civil War ended. They were initially chambered for the .50-60-450 cartridge, but Springfield Armory subsequently re-chambered 1,600 for the .50-70 cartridge before they were exported to France in 1870 and used in the Franco-Prussian War. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight and a two leaf folding rear sight with 300 and 500 yard graduations. The lock plate is dated "1864" behind the hammer and marked with the eagle and shield motif as well as "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the hammer. "M/2665" is marked on the breechblock and the upper tang. The stock has faint cartouches. Sling swivels are mounted on the mid barrel band and front of the trigger guard and a slotted cleaning rod is fitted under the barrel.