Model 1861’s rarely show up any more in this condition, crisp, showing just the effects of age, and completely untouched. Most have been appreciated and admired when found and then fallen prey to the collector or dealer urge to improve them further by cleaning.  We have kept our hands off this one and are passing it on as found, not only in untouched attic condition but in pretty minty condition, and not just “attic mint” either.

The wood-to-metal fit is extremely tight throughout. Both sights are in place and the rear sight still has better than 90 percent of its blue, showing just some rubbing on its edges. All the rest of the metal, originally finished bright, remains smooth and has acquired a mix of dull silver and thin brown color from age and likely old grease. Only on the triggerguard does it seem thicker, likely from gun standing upright in a rack with the triggerguard more exposed. The lockplate is crisply marked with the Springfield eagle and “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” under the bolster, and a sharp “1862” date behind the hammer, which is matched by the sharp 1862 barrel date on the top flat of the barrel and V/P/[eaglehead] barrel proofs on the left barrel flat at the breech. Neither the top of the breech or bolster shows firing corrosion. The clean-out screw has a crisp slot. The nipple shows some blue and no battering. There is no burnout to the wood and the edges of the lock apron are sharp, with only one tiny ding on the lower forward edge near the front.

The wood overall shows excellent color and condition, with a few scattered minor handling dings. The edges along the forestock are sharp. The ramrod channel shows just a few wear spots at the very bottom from returning the ramrod. The left side flat has sharp edges and shows two very clear inspector cartouches. The beveled edges on the left at the barrel breech are sharp and the wood is tight to the barrel breech and breechplug tang. There is a small scuff line on the upper edge of the side flat above the rear lock screw. The butt is very good as well, showing some minor spotting on the left, a small bit of wear on the lower left heel at the butt plate and three slight dings near the buttplate tang, again, possibly from standing upright in a rack.

This comes with its matching and original bayonet. From the very slight lighter color of the muzzle it looks like the rifle was kept with the bayonet on it, but inverted, the socket covering only a half-inch or so of the barrel. The bayonet is complete and properly marked U.S. The metal is smooth and matches the color of the rifle musket as well.

We leave it up to the next owner to determine whether to clean it or not. We like it as is. There is no need to go into how scarce and desirable an M1861 Springfield with an early war date is in any condition.  [sr]

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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