Here is an original Civil War M1861 .58 caliber “Whitneyville Contract” percussion rifle-musket with the rare Robert’s Conversion’ to centerfire system. The alteration was the invention of U.S. Army Brigadier General B. S. Roberts in 1867 and his centerfire conversion system for rifle-muskets was introduced in late 1869 to 1870. Some 5,000 conversion systems were manufactured by the Providence Tool Company for the Roberts’s Breechloading Arms Co of New York City. The alteration entailed cutting off the original percussion breech of the musket and inserting the Robert’s unique breech mechanism in its place. The operation required the user to raise a short lever over the tang above the stock wrist. When raised, the breech dropped down and exposed the chamber for loading a metallic cartridge.

Barrel exhibits a mottled salt and pepper patina overall with moderate areas of dark rust pitting scattered about the metal. Bore is bright but could use a light cleaning. Left side of breech block shows “ROBERT’S PAT. / JUNE .11. 1867.” Musket retains its original lockplate, sans the bolster, with the ‘oversized ‘spreadwinged eagle’ motif over “WHITNEYVILLE” in front of hammer. No date behind hammer. Eagle motif is good and the maker’s mark is strong.  Musket has original stock, butt plate, triggerguard but also is fitted with a modified, “C” shaped hammer. Barrel retains its two-leaf rear sight. Black walnut stock is in very good condition overall. Does have normal dings and dents. No government cartouches visible. Musket has an original, tulip-head ramrod with no swell.   [ra]

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