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Title:	RIFLE, MILITARY -  U.S. RIFLE TRAPDOOR EXPERIMENTAL .50-70
Maker/Manufacturer:	ALLIN, ERSKINE S.
Date of Manufacture:	1870
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 40
Measurements:	OL:130.8CM 51 1/2" BL: 82.5CM 32 1/2"

Object Description:

U.S. RIFLE TRAPDOOR EXPERIMENTAL .50-70
Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1870 - Basically a standard M1868 single-shot, breechloading .50-70 rifle, but with experimental breech and action. Distinguishing characteristic of the rifle is a completely enclosed action with no lockplate and with a center hung hammer. Breechblock action latch also differs from standard Trapdoor type. All metal parts finished bright. Two bands, spring fastened. M1868 rear sight.

Markings:
Bands: U.
Buttplate: US.

Weapon transferred to the Springfield Armory NHS on March 13, 1979 from Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

Web Site photo show the firearm with the wood model for the firearm (SPAR-7824).

From the "Catalogue of the Exhibit of the War Department at the Centennial Exposition of the Ohio Valley and Central States.... No. 49. SPRINGFIELD RIFLE MUSKET; CALIBRE, .50; 1870; E.S. ALLIN'S IMPROVED CENTRE LOCK. The essential feature of this consists in its dispensing with the number of parts forming the ordinary side lock. The main-spring in this case lies under the receiver. The other parts lie beneath the tang of the breech-screw."

WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION, 1893, No. 192 - "Springfield rifle musket, caliber .50, model 1870, E.S. Allin's improved center lock. The essential feature of this consists in its dispensing with the number of parts forming the ordinary side lock. The mainspring in this case lies under the receiver. The other parts lie beneath the tang of the breech screw."

Notes: "SPRINGFIELD RIFLE MODIFIED - ...In the Springfield-Allin, the cam-latch and thumbpiece are in one piece instead of being riveted together as in the 1870 model. It is fired by a centerlock, the main-spring of which lies under the receiver, being dovetailed into it at its forward end. The firing pin screw is replaced by a stop-pin, which is kept in place by the breech-block cap.
In one model, the lock-plate is of uniform thickness, about one-half that of the 1870 model, the main spring bolster being replaced by a screw. The shape of the hammer and of the surrounding parts of the stock are changed, so as to promote economy of manufacture and ease of manipulation.
In another model, the shape of the ejector-stud is modified, and a lining inserted into the receiver, with the intention of facilitating the introduction of the cartridges." - Farrow's Military Encyclopedia

References:
Clark, David C. Ed.. ARMS FOR THE NATION. Scott A. Duff. Export, Pa. 1992.
Farrow, Edward S. FARROW'S MILITARY ENCYCLOPEDIA. Military Naval Publishing Co., N.Y., N.Y. 1895.
Frasca, Albert & Robert Hill. THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD. Springfield Publishing Co. Northridge, Ca. 1980.
Frasca, Albert J. THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD BOOK II. 1865-1893. Frasca Publishing Co. Springfield, Oh. 1997.