POTD: Krider Short Rifle – Philadelphia’s Civil War Military Contractor

Welcome to at the moment’s Photo of the Day! Right here we now have a John H. Krider percussion quick rifle manufactured between 1855-1865. This is likely one of the scarce 33-inch barrel rifles Krider provided to Philadelphia space militias through the Civil Conflict period. John Krider operated out of Philadelphia and provided weapons to native militia models throughout a interval when the federal authorities couldn’t produce sufficient arms to fulfill demand. Whereas bigger contractors like Springfield Armory and personal producers like Colt grabbed the large contracts, regional makers like Krider crammed essential gaps by arming state militias and volunteer models.

What’s fascinating about this rifle is the components sourcing. Moller notes that the slender brass barrel bands are just like these utilized by J. Henry & Son, suggesting each makers purchased parts from the identical provider. The brass implement compartment cowl matches these utilized by Christian Sharps and different Philadelphia gunmakers like Phillip S. Justice. This was widespread follow through the Civil Conflict – contractors shared suppliers and generally even components to hurry manufacturing and scale back prices.

The 33-inch barrel size places this between a full-length rifle-musket and a cavalry carbine. That size made sense for militia models which may want the accuracy of a rifle with out the unwieldy size of a 40-inch barrel. These shorter rifles had been sensible for irregular models, dwelling guard corporations, and troops who fought in wooded or city terrain the place a full-length musket was a legal responsibility.

Most of our POTDs make the most of photos from our buddies at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms public sale in the US. Take a while to browse their current auctions – who is aware of, perhaps you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take dwelling!

Very Scarce Properly-Documented Krider Percussion Brief Rifle | Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/1049/423/welldocumented-krider-percussion-short-rifle. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Sam.S

Author | TheFirearmBlog
Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Outdated soul, licensed gunsmith, revealed writer, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of previous and distinctive weapons.