U.S. Military 1861 Trapdoor Conversion Alfred Jenks & Son 1864

This rifle features; (1) U.S. (Alfred Jenks & Son) “U.S. Bridesberg” stamped lock with American eagle motif. Lock plate is dated “1864”. (2) Very early “Non-Arched” breech block. Block is dated on top “1866 / Eagle motif” (pictured). A non-arched breech block with an 1866 date is very un-common. (3) Barrel is 32-1/2” long in .50 caliber center fire caliber. (4) Breech block has original blackened finish caused by quenching in oil. (5) Hammer is early semi beveled edges with a straighter nose (see pics). (6) Rear sight is the two leaf style with two sighting holes. (7) Front sight is Front sight on lug that serves as a stud for socket type bayonet. (6) Cleaning rod is oval on the end and slotted with five serrations at the end to improve finger hold. (7) The cleaning rod is the straight early style without the cone. (8) The barrel is a 35.5” cut top very early style trapdoor conversion. (9) Comb of stock known as “short stock” is about 9” long. (10) There is no serial number on this early converted Alfred Jenks & Son rifle/musket. (11) Civil War barrel bands with “U” stamp.

The condition of this 1864 dated Alfred Jenks & Sons percussion conversion “Trapdoor” rifle is Good-VG. : (1) Metal parts were finished bright (White). (2) The metal parts do not appear to be refinished or cleaned up. They have a nice aged patina. (3) The barrel was issued in the white on these early percussion guns and still looks to be original finish. The barrel is in the white under the bands .(4) The case coloring on the breech and top tang were oil quenched and are darker. The top tang was sanded clean at some point. (5) The blued finish on the hammer, barrel bands, side plate and two piece trigger guard is around 50%. (6) The blued finish on the butt is worn to a more brown/rust finish. (7) The locks work fine. (8) The bore is Good-VG, nicely taken care of, shiny with a some light frosting in sparse areas along the bore. There are some pitts in the bore spead out. The bore pics show the brightness (see pics). (9) The black walnut stock is Good-VG with handling marks. There are no cracks. There is a layer of arsenal finish added over the years. (
Overall this is a unique, unusual, early “Trapdoor Conversion” of an Alfred Jenks percussion Rifle/Musket. It is an interesting transition gun.