US M1863 Springfield Rifle Musket

Description

The Springfield Model 1863 Rifled Musket was the last muzzle-loading longarm produced by the Springfield Armory and featured several minor improvements to the earlier and more common Model 1861. This Type I M1863 featured clamping oval barrel bands, replacing the band springs of the M1861. It also featured a re-designed hammer, bolster, ramrod, and case-hardened lock. Over 273,000 were produced in 1863, with many being converted to breach-loaders after the Civil War. This example with 40” (101.6 cm) tapering round-section barrel of .58 caliber (rifling visible, but worn); front blade sight, 3-position folding rear sight (2 blades missing). Flat lock plate with beveled edges, stamped with eagle and “U.S./SPRINGFIELD” forward of the hammer and “1863” behind the hammer. Iron mounts, including trigger guard with sling swivel, butt plate stamped “U.S.”, ramrod, and three barrel bands, the middle band with sling swivel. Walnut full stock with inspector cartouch opposite the hammer (weak). Lock plate cleaned, the balance of metal with dark patina and scattered pitting, heavier at the breach. Wood with scattered light scratches and dings, heavier near the muzzle; pleasing deep brown patina. Overall length 56” (142 cm). A good representative example which likely saw considerable Civil War action.