Original Item: Only One Available. The Springfield Model 1863 rifled musket is a .58 caliber rifled musket produced by the Springfield Armory between 1863 and 1865. The Model 1863 was a minor improvement over the Springfield Model 1861. As such, it is sometimes classified as just a variant of the Model 1861. The Model 1861, with all of its variants, was the most commonly used longarm in the American Civil War, with over 700,000 manufactured. The Model 1863 also has the distinction of being the last muzzle-loading longarm produced by the Springfield Armory.

The Model 1863 was produced in two variants. The Type I eliminated the band springs and replaced the flat barrel bands with oval clamping bands. It also featured a new ramrod, a case-hardened lock, a new hammer, and a redesigned bolster (percussion chamber). Several of these modifications were based upon Colt's contract model 1861, known as the "Colt special". 273,265 Type I variants were manufactured in 1863.

The Type II is sometimes referred to as the Model 1864, but is more commonly referred to as just a variant of the Model 1863. This version re-introduced band springs, replaced the clamping bands with solid oval bands, and replaced the three leaf rear sight with single leaf sight. A total of 255,040 of these were manufactured from 1864 to 1865.

By the end of the Civil War, muzzle-loading rifles and muskets were considered obsolete. In the years following the Civil War, many Model 1863 muskets were converted into breech-loading "Trapdoor Springfields". The breech-loading weapons increased the rate of fire from 3 to 4 rounds per minute to 8 to 10 rounds per minute. The Model 1863 could be converted to breech-loading for about $5, at a time when a new rifle would cost about $20. The conversion of Model 1863 rifles therefore represented a significant cost savings to the U.S. military.

This type II 1863 however escaped conversion, and is still mostly in the original Civil War era configuration. However, it has signs that it was captured and rebuilt by Confederate forces during the later years of the war. It now has a brass buttplate, commonly seen on Confederate rifled muskets. It looks to be a Type I Model 1863 with screw retained bands, but it has an 1864 dated lock plate, usually seen on Type II models. It looks to have seen long service, and was bored out to 0.67", probably due to fouling of the barrel and the need to fire standard musket balls, and not the Minié Ball cartridges. Definitely some great research potential!

The musket is dated 1864 on the lock plate tail, and also has an Eagle stamped into the lock to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating production at Springfield Armory, in Springfield Massachusetts. The lock markings are fully legible, though there is definitely oxidation and past pitting on areas of the lock plate, now ground out. It still holds properly at half cock, firing at full cock. The cap bolster "Eagle" marking is completely worn away due to powder burn and oxidation, as are the proof marks on the barrel nocks form. The bore shows use and fouling, and now has an overall dark patina on the inside. As mentioned previously it was bored out, removing all rifling.

The one piece walnut stock still is in very good condition, with a lovely polished glow. There are some dents and dings, but nothing out of line with the usual wear from service. All three barrel bands are correctly U stamped, while there is no marking on the butt plate tang. The ramrod looks to be an arsenal replacement, which has a screw shaped "worm" on the end for clearing the bore. The sling swivel on the middle band is present, however the one on the trigger guard has been removed.

A very interesting example, offered in nice condition recently acquired from an old collection, shows a bit of age but very presentable in any U.S. Civil War collection. Ready to research and display!

Specifications (Musket):-

Year of Manufacture: 1864
Caliber: .67"
Cartridge Type: Minié Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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