Original Item: Only One Available. This is, without a doubt, the best condition Springfield Rifled Musket we have ever handled, including all of the various models we have had. We daresay that it must have been a pattern or example gun, as we honestly can see very little evidence that it was ever used. A truly excellent example, it even comes with an original leather sling, as well as a wooden "tompion" barrel plug.

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 I 1863 however escaped conversion, and apparently field use of any kind, and is presented for sale in the original Civil War era configuration. It is dated 1861 on the lock plate tail, and also has an Eagle stamped into the lock over U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating production at Springfield Armory, in Springfield Massachusetts. It seems that this rifled musket is an extremely early model 1863, as it has characteristics of both the model 1861, as well as the 1863. It has the band springs, but also has the oval clamping bands, and has the correct model 1863 Type I rear sight.

Lock holds properly at half cock, firing at full cock. The markings on the lock are clear and overall the lock plate is in excellent condition, still having traces of the original case hardened finish. The one piece walnut stock is in very good condition, with clear original stock inspection cartouches. One appears to be F.G., while the other is clearly E.S.A., for Erskine S. Allin, Master Armorer of the Springfield Armory during the Civil war, who developed the Springfield "Trapdoor" breech loading system. The bore of this rifle can best be described as "near new". It is bright with crisp lands and grooves, and shows no evidence of ever having been used.

The barrel shows clear V/ P/ (eagle) proofs on the left facet, with an A underneath, and there is a crisp date of 1863 on the top of the barrel. The barrel finish is mostly bright, with a nice patina of age, and no powder burn whatsoever. This gun has the Type I pattern double leaf rear sight,and the butt plate is stamped US as per regulation. The ramrod is the correct and original tulip type with the straight shank. All three barrel bands are U marked.

The sling unfortunately has not stood the test of time as well as the rest of the gun. Leather is sadly not as resilient as wood and steel.

This early/transitional model 1863 Springfield Rifled Musket is simply the best we have ever seen. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1861/3
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Minie Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.