US Model 1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket

Description

The M1861 Rifle-musket was the most widely used firearm of the Civil War. Springield
Armory made over 265,000of these in 1861-62, while various other contractors brought the
total to around a million. The musket features a 40″ round barrel of .58 caliber with
octagonal breech stamped “V/P” on the left flat; front blade sight and three-position rear
sight (only one blade remaining). Lock plate stamped with spread-wing eagle and
“U.S./SPRINGFIELD” forward of the cock and date “1862″ horizontally behind. Walnut full
stock with iron mounts, including three barrel bands secured by springs, trigger guard with
sling swivel, butt plate stamped “US” on the tang, fore end cap, and ramrod with tulip-
shaped tip. Middle barrel band made without sling swivel. Metal with even dark brown
patina and pitting around the breech and nipple bolster; rifling worn but visible. Stock is
sound with various handling marks and two small, tight stress cracks at either end of the
lock mortise; burned area behind the nipple from extensive firing. Lock markings sharp and
clear. Undoubtedly an experienced veteran of the Civil War. If it could talk, no doubt it
would have quite a tale to tell. Overall length 56″.