Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1187

Lot 1187:Morse Center-Fire Alteration of a U.S. Springfield Rifled Musket

September 11th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1187

Lot 1187:Morse Center-Fire Alteration of a U.S. Springfield Rifled Musket

September 11th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$9,500 - $16,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Rare Documented Morse Breech Loading Center-Fire Alteration of a U.S. Springfield Rifled Musket with Bayonet

Morse cartridge alteration rifled muskets are described on pages 95-97 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III", with this exact rifle photographed on page 96. The book states that only 2 initial muskets were shipped from Springfield to the Ordnance Office on April 22, 1859, and 54 additional rifles were completed by January of 1860. One of these was sent to Muzzy & Company (ammunition supplier to Ordnance), and 53 went to the Washington Arsenal. This system, first 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". 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. 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 marked with two circled script cartouches on the left flat, a circled script cartouche behind the lower tang, and a trumpet head ramrod. The breech block parts are numbered "3", "4" is marked on the left flat of the barrel at the breech, and "JO" is marked on the inside of the cocking lever, on top of the brass bolster, and on a part inside of the lock. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet and leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

ConditionVery good plus with some scattered light pitting on the barrel. Stock is fine with some scattered dents and scratches, and a light chip at the left of the upper tang. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is excellent with very light pitting.
Details
ManufacturerSpringfield Armory U.S.
ModelConversion
TypeRifle
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge69
Barrel38 1/8 inch round
Finishbright/casehardened
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1785
Catalog page143
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 1244Breech Loading Harpers Ferry Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle
View Lot
Lot 226Documented U.S. Springfield Model 1851 Cadet Musket with Bayonet
View Lot
Lot 3285Civil War U.S. Joslyn Model 1864 Saddle Ring Carbine
View Lot
Lot 3290U.S. Harpers Ferry 1819 Hall Percussion Conversion Rifle
View Lot
Show More