peashooter85:Rare and unique Butterfield experimental breechloading conversion musketFrom Rock Islan
peashooter85:Rare and unique Butterfield experimental breechloading conversion musketFrom Rock Island AuctionsThis unusual musket started life as an 1795/1808 contract flintlock musket manufactured by Frederick Goetz and Charles Westphall of Philadelphia as clearly identified by the “G&W/PHILADA” on the tail of the lock plate. It was then converted by Jesse Butterfield using his disk/pellet priming percussion system as indicated by the distinctive Butterfield device on the lock and the patent marking “BUTTERFIELD’S/PATENT DEC 11 1855/PHILADA” on the front of the lock. 5,000 muskets were converted in this fashion on a contract signed in 1859. What is most unusual about this example is that is has also been converted into a break action breech loader possibly by or in conjunction with Dr. Edward Maynard.At first glance the musket appears to be standard Butterfield conversion. However, a small “trigger” ahead of the trigger guard allows the barrel to pivot upwards like a modern break action. The barrel is fitted to a hinge a the rear barrel band. The breech of the barrel has a brass plug with a conical design somewhat similar to the Maynard cartridges used in Maynard carbines during the Civil War. This plug can be slid backwards out of the barrel and pivoted upwards so that it can be loaded. Upon closing the action the insert is pressed against the breech ideally preventing gas from escaping. The weapon could be primed either using the Butterfield disk primer or a standard percussion cap. While the system is fairly simply and ingenious, the hinge design is inherently weak. This critical flaw is likely what prevented a larger production run. -- source link