This U.S. Model 1861 Rifle musket is complete, all original, and rates excellent for condition. All bands, springs, swivels, sights and ramrod are correct and in place and the markings are sharp. The metal is smooth, in the bright, with the rear sight showing original blue, along with some blue on the head of the clean-out screw on the bolster, the nipple, and band springs. The wood has nice color, good surface, a tight fit to the metal, great edges, indicating little handling, on forestock along the barrel, the ramrod channel, the lock apron and side flat. The side flat also shows two cartouches, the inspection cartouche at top and ESA (Erskine Allen) acceptance cartouche near the bottom.

The markings on the metal are correct and crisp: 1862 at rear of the lockplate with a Springfield eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD forward of the hammer. The 1862 barrel date is clear and matches. The V/P/[eagle head] barrel proofs at left breech are crisp, as is the small U.S. on the buttplate.  Mechanics are excellent. Minty bore with good rifling; semi-bright, would clean to very bright.

We see only some very small storage bumps to the stock, and mostly on the butt near the buttplate and the side flat, normal points of contact for muskets in a rack. The upper cartouche in the side flat with script initials is a little rubbed in the middle, but legible. The ESA cartouche at the bottom is crisp. The metal shows a tiny bit of graying at the muzzle and the breech, and the buttplate shows a little darker and some light handling marks, again the spot most subject to wear in even casual handling.

This is the quintessential infantry long arm of the Civil War with a great, early war date, and is in outstanding condition.  [sr] [ph:L]

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