1861 Colt Special Musket "Breechblock"

[Bikerbum]

Listed on Gunbroker, #132224812 , is a model 1861 Colt Musket with a breechblock, has a hinge on the right side, so the breech swings open to the right. No info in the ad as to who did the conversion (during the Civil War most likely). I cannot find any info on this conversion, checked Flaydermans book (only book I have on the old stuff). Anyone have any info on this and what it might be worth? Would appreciate any/all answers! Thanks, Bruce

[smkummer]

Colt converted 12,100 for the Egyptian govt. and these were of the synder conversions of which the one in question is. I have looked at this one and several areas are different than the one pictured in the Houze book titled Colt rifles and muskets from 1847 to 1870 so that is why I have been hesitant on bidding on it. A friend of mine picked up a 1871 enfield Synder which by then was a factory rifle rather than a conversion of a muzzle loader. It is a hoot to fire and now someone makes the empty cases. One can load the minnie bullet in the case but it is a bit undersized as it takes a .585 diameter bullet.