This fine Model 1861, .58 caliber, percussion rifle-musket, dated 1862, was produced at the Federal armory in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Musket retains its original stock, original iron nipple and bolster screw, swell-shaped ramrod, barrel bands, and sling swivels.

Barrel, lockplate, hammer, butt plate, bands, retaining springs, trigger guard, rear sight, and ramrod all wear a light sheen. Lockplate is stamped “U. S. / SPRINGFIELD” with a sharp eagle motif forward of the hammer and “1862” behind hammer. Mechanics are strong and crisp. Fine steel butt plate is stamped with a thin “U S.”

The 40” long barrel has a surface that does not appear to have been cleaned and exhibits areas of light oxidation but no pitting. Barrel has the original two-leaf rear sight and small blade front sight. Date of “1862” is stamped on the top flat near the breech. The same area has a stamped rack or unit number of “23.”  Most of the screws, even the bolster screw, are very good with no buggering. Only the barrel tang screw shows light wear. Clear government proof marks of “V / P” with eaglehead are present on left facet of the breech. Bore is clean with good rifling and is mostly bright, however there is an intermittent ring of pitting about a third of the way down from the muzzle.

Black walnut stock is in excellent original condition overall and appears never to have been cleaned or refinished. There is an old small chip just under the rear barrel band and minor scratches and scuffs from age and use throughout. Stock shows good edge contours especially on the flat opposite the hammer and along the barrel. Stock exhibits two strong government cartouches on flat. No cracks or any repairs in the wood stock.

Weapon retains its swelled shank steel ramrod with its tulip-head and threaded tip in very good condition.

Highly sought in today’s market, this specimen is an excellent representative Springfield rifle-musket from early in the Civil War.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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