Original Rare U.S. Civil War M1863 Lindsay "Two-Shot" Double Hammer Superimposed Charge Rifled Musket with Excellent Bore

Original Item: Only One Available. This double hammer / double charge rifled musket should be considered a very interesting variation on the Civil War era Springfield Rifled musket. The gun was designed by D.P. Lindsay, after his brother was killed during an encounter with two Native Americans, as he was only carrying a single shot musket. The brother was able to kill the first, but was killed by the second, as he only had one shot.

To help prevent this from happening again, the "Lindsay Two-Shot" rifled musket was designed. Also called a "double rifle", the system used two "superimposed" charges that would be loaded into the muzzle sequentially. The rifle has two sets of hammers and cap nipples, each with an independent ignition channel. The theory was that the charge closest to the muzzle would be shot first, and the charge behind it afterwards. The lock was designed to fire the two hammers in the correct order, preventing the rear charge from being shot first.

Only 1,000 of these were ever produced and issued to the "16th Michigan Infantry" during the Civil War. Unfortunately, they were not well received due to ignition problems. If the second charge was not in the right position it would fail to ignite, and often could also cause the charge behind it to fire, often after a delay. They were also difficult to load and often exploded when both charges were accidentally detonated at the same time during the heat of battle. This was definitely a very dangerous weapon to use as intended. They were soon abandoned so today are exceeding hard to find.

This example is in fantastic condition, looking to have seen little to no use while in service. It shows only wear from age and storage, and the unique "dual hammer" system looks to be fully functional! Both sides hold correctly at half cock, and when fully cocked, the right side fires first, and after the trigger moves forward again, then the left side can be fired. These were marked on the top of the breech directly in front of the cap nipple cones, so powder burn would rapidly erode these markings, however as this example looks to have seen very little use, they are still fully legible and read:-

LINDSAY
PATENT'D. OCT. 9. 1860

There are also the correct  U markings on all three barrel bands, as well as U.S. on the butt plate. We can see a G.H. stamp on the left side of the rear sight, and there is an L on the left side of the barrel where it meets the breech mechanism. There are also two CRISP oval ADK cartouches on the left side of the stock, for inspector Andrew D. King, who inspected swords as well as numerous different types of firearms during the Civil War Era.

The metalwork on the rifle is really in lovely condition, still showing much of the original bright steel finish, with some staining in areas due to exposure and not being properly oiled. Still it is in far better shape than almost any other Civil War rifled musket we have seen. The action works correctly, and both nipple cones look great. There are some vice markings around the breech plug nocks form, which we assume are from assembly. We checked the bore, and it is virtually unfired! It shows a nearly mirror bright finish with crisp lands and grooves, that leads us to believe that this example was never fired after proving.

The stock is in lovely condition, with the great red brown color of aged oiled walnut. It shows only light wear from storage such as small dents and dings, and the only crack we could find is on the right side of the action tang, which looks to be a common place for this to occur. The barrel bands, held in place by screw pressure, are still firmly in place, and both sling swivels are present as well, though they are a bit stiff. The ramrod is the correct "tulip" type without an enlarged shank, and is in great shape, showing minimal oxidation and having intact threads on the end.

Definitely the best example that we have ever seen of a Lindsay "Two Shot" rifle! We do not expect to get another in such great condition anytime in the near future, if ever! Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1863
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder - superimposed charges
Barrel Length: 38 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Rear Action Box Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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