This Swiss Model 1863/67 Milbank-Amsler in .41 Swiss (10.4x38mmR Swiss) Rimfire is the Infanteriegewehr (infantry) model of the Swiss Conversion rifle program of the late 1860s. It appears to have been originally built by Erlach & Co as a model 1863 and then converted to the Milbank-Amsler swinging block model 1863/67 by S.J.G Neuhausen, better known today as SIG. This is based on the markings of the lock plate and on the top of the swinging block. Given that at least twenty different gun makers were doing conversions at that time it is possible that only the block was made by S.J.G and the actual conversion done by another maker. Judging from the proof marks it most likely was converted in the mid to late 1870s.

This rifle has matching serial numbers for the stock and barrel/receiver but other parts have numbers not matched. These could have been simply parts numbers unrelated to the serial or parts from another rifle used for the conversion. The bayonet that comes with this rifle does have a serial number but it is not matching to the rifle. This rifle includes the cleaning rod which most likely began life as a ramrod and judging by other examples may or may not have been original to the rifle.

This Milbank-Amsler Model 1863/67 Infanteriegewehr is in excellent condition. The barrel is 36 inches long and overall length is approximately 54 ¼ inches. The finish on the metal is about 80% overall with most loss on block and trigger guard. The barrel finish is very strong but there are a few minor scratches and some small dings observable under the finish.

The bore is very clean with solid rifling, 4/5, with only minor wear and just the slightest hints of pitting. The receiver has finish loss, wear, and minor rust staining. The Milbank-Amsler block shows the most finish loss but operates correctly. The trigger guard shows some minor staining and finish loss. The butt plate shows minor staining.

The stock is very good with minimal surface wear. There are a few small dings and scratches on the wood but no observable splitting or cracking. All hardware, sling mounts, screws, etc appears to be present. This rifle includes the cleaning rod which does show some minor staining. This rifle also includes the correct socket bayonet for the time period. The bayonet is excellent with very strong finish and no visible rust.

This Milbank-Amsler Model 1863/67 Infanteriegewehr includes the cleaning rod and bayonet. Numbers are matching for stock and receiver/barrel. The bayonet serial does not match the rifle. The rifle functions mechanically as it should (block, trigger, hammer) but has NOT been test fired by us.

This is an excellent example of the Milbank-Amsler 1863/67 representing the transitional period in firearms development from the percussion musket to the cartridge rifle. This is a must have for any collector of the early breechloaders as well as an essential rifle for the Swiss firearms enthusiast. This rifle is classified ‘antique’.

By the mid 1800s the Swiss had come to see the importance of the breech loading system in warfare. The Prussian use of the Dreyse “Needle Rifle” had already proven the concept and the Swiss knew it would be necessary to upgrade their own arms. In 1866 the Swiss resolved to replace all muzzle loading arms and chose the forward pivoting block design of American inventor Isaac Milbank. His design was then adapted by Rudolph Amsler. The Milbank-Amsler conversions would serve to fill the gap as the Swiss developed their repeating rifle. That would end with the adoption of the Swiss Vetterli rifle in 1869.

While the Vetterli was in development the conversion of percussion muskets would hit full steam in the 1867 conversion program. Not only were muzzle loaders converted to breech but they were also updated to use the new .41 Swiss Rimfire cartridge (10.4x38mmR Swiss) as well as 18mm Swiss Rimfire. The muskets converted during this period would be designated model ‘67. From this came the M1842/59/67 Infanteriegewehr (18mm conversion of a conversion), M1851/67 Stutzer, M1856/67 Jeagergewehr, M1863/67 Infanteriegewehr, and M1864/67 Stutzer.

During this frenzied period at least twenty different gun makers would be a part of the conversion project. While the conversions were moving quickly at the same time Vetterli production was lagging. To help fill the gap the Swiss contracted with Providence Tool Company for Peabody rifles in .41 Swiss. By 1869 the Swiss were using ‘67 Conversion, Peabody, and Vetterli rifles at the same time. As Vetterli production increased the ‘67s and Peabodys would be gradually phased out in the 1870s.

Swiss Cross over W in Circle – left side butt stock

10587 (serial) – bottom butt stock

10587 (serial) – left rear barrel

GW – left rear barrel

Swiss Cross over V – left rear barrel

787 (part # ?) – inside rear sight

Swiss Cross over V – top rear barrel

Unclear Mark / Stamp Through ? – top rear barrel

Swiss Cross over V – top of block

S.J.G NEUHAUSEN – top of block

JR – underside of block

Swiss Cross over V – inside receiver

GW – inside receiver

JR – right rear barrel

Unknown marks – right rear barrel

JN ERLACH&CO IN THUN – right side lock plate

Swiss Cross over W – trigger guard front and rear, front barrel band, middle barrel band

5825 (serial) – bayonet

Swiss Cross over O – Bayonet