C032393 U.S. CIVIL WAR UNION "SPRINGFIELD" M1863 RIFLE MUSKET.

The .58 caliber rifle musket was first developed at the Springfield armory in 1855. An improved variation which used a simplified percussion-cap system with the quick-loading "Minié" ball was introduced in 1861. This "Model 1861" muzzle loader became the mainstay of the Civil War soldier as most of the military commanders of the day did not appreciate the innovative breech loading and magazine-fed repeating weapons also developed at that time. The "1863 Model" was a subtle refinement over its predecessor as it adopted several of the features introduced in the contracted "Colt Special Model 1861," particularly noticeable in the design of the bolster. The rifle musket, 56" in overall length, is comprised of an iron barrel and fittings set into a hardwood stock. "US" is stamped to the top of its metal butt plate. A rectangle with indecipherable letters within it, and a cartouche beneath it, are impressed into the wood above the left side of the trigger assembly. A swiveling metal loop for the shoulder strap is to the forward edge of the trigger guard. Lightly stamped into the metal to the left of the top is "V" and "P" (an inspection stamp indicating "Viewed" and "Proved") with a stylized eagle’s head acceptance mark beneath. An "1864" date is equally lightly stamped to the top. "1864" is also stamped on the lock plate to the left of the hammer, with, to the right, an eagle with arrows in one talon, a sprig of laurels in the other, and "U.S. Springfield" is to the right of that. An eagle identical to the aforementioned, but smaller and facing the other way, is stamped to the bolster. A "3" may be seen lightly stamped to the second of the three-leaf sight, and "5" to the third. "U" is stamped to the right side of the first two of the three collars proceeding up the stock. The middle of these three collars has the other swiveling loop for the shoulder strap to its underside. A 39 3/4" long, removable ramrod is threaded into a groove to the underside of the stock and beneath the two forward collars. Its barrel is rifled with six grooves. Age darkening and typical nicks and surface scratches are evident to the wooden stock, and the metal components exhibit an overall dark age patina, with light to moderate surface spotting and pitting. All of the moving elements appear to function perfectly. Nice example. No permit needed to own in Canada.

GRADE ****                             PRICE $2,495.00

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