SPRINGFIELD 1861 TRAP DOOR RIFLE. .58 caliber round barrel 40'' marked V P comes with bayonet. Marked on lock ''US Springfield'' and eagle ''1861'' behind hammer. Pretty worn rear sight is broken. The wood is not spliced under any of the bands.
SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1861 RIFLE MUSKET WITH BAYONET. Cal. 58. NSN. 40" part oct bbl. Bayonet is from an Enfield and is missing the scabbard. Dated "1861" on the lockplate. Bbl markings have been removed. CONDITION: Metal has been cleaned to bright. Stock has been broken through the wrist and repaired. Lock is fine. 4-56948 (500-1,000)
A Springfield Model 1861 U.S. Percussion Rifle Musket lock markings; "U.S. Springfield" eagle and 1862 58 caliber 40 inch round barrel walnut stock three barrel bands associated ramrod.
SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1861 RIFLED MUSKET. Cal. 58. NSN. 40” part oct bbl. Standard Springfield markings on lockplate 1863 date on bbl and lock. Standard proof marks on left quarter panel with “N.J” on left flat of bbl. “HJK” inspector cartouche on left flat of stock. CONDITION: Slight signs of cleaning on bright parts with scattered surface rust and very light pitting on hammer, trigger guard, and buttplate. Action and bore are fine. Edwards Collection 4-58447 (1,500-2,500)
U.S. Springfield percussion rifle Musket Model 1855 with bayonet NVSN. .58 caliber single shot muzzleloader round barrel fastened by three barrel bands. Cleanout screw on bolster. Iron mountings with brass forend cap. All metal parts finished bright. Steel ramrod with tulip-shaped end and swelled shank. Front sight doubles as lug for angular bayonet included. This is one of the earlier models with a long range rear sight with large leaf and was made without patchbox. Walnut fullstock. Lockplate marked: ''U.S. SPRINGFIELD'' with date stamped at rear of lock behind hammer. Eagle motif on tape primer compartment lid. Barrel marking at breech: V/P eaglehead. ''U.S.'' on tang of buttplate. Inspector initials on left side of stock opposite lock. overall L56'' barrel L40'' (2pcs) Other Notes: Made by the Springfield Armory circa 1857-1861. Total production was 47 115. This model proved to be one of the staple arms of the American Civil war and was the first U.S. Martial Arm designed to fire the Minie bullet in .58 caliber. Arsenal modified during the war to utilize the Maynard Tape Primer System which made loading and firing much faster.
Springfield 1855 Rifle Musket .58 Caliber Transfer: No
Springfield 1855 Rifle Musket, Single-Shot muzzle loader chambered .58 caliber percussion rifle, 40" round barrel, full length tiger maple stock, three barrel bands with bayonet, lock marked U.S. Springfield, 1857-1861 manufacture, fair condition, no serial number visible
U.S. SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1861 PERCUSSION RIFLE. Springfield, Massachusetts, 3rd quarter-19th century. Walnut. Model 1861, .58 caliber rifle. Barrel stamped "1863". Lock plate is engraved "US Springfield, 1862" with an eagle. Includes ram rod, and bayonet. Very minor loss to stock. Barrel shows little pitting. Barrel, 40"l.
BURNSIDE AND SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1861 RIFLE, DEVON FARMTwo Civil War era rifles: Burnside carbine and Springfield Model 1861 rifle. Possible early battlefield finds associated with Battle of Nashville. 1st item: Burnside .54 Caliber Percussion breech loading carbine. Action functional. Barrel length - 20". Overall length - 39 1/2". 2nd item: Springfield Model 1861 rifle .58 caliber. Proper swell tip ramrod included. Barrel length - 40". Overall length - 56". Provenance: the estate of Sarah Hunter Hicks Green, formerly of Historic Devon Farm, Nashville, Tennessee. (Higher-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)
Condition:
Both relic battlefield pickup condition with oxidation and pitting. Heavily oxidized and metal pitted. Rear sight and middle barrel band missing on Springfield.
Mason Model 1861 . 58 Cal Civil War Rifled Musket: For sale in this lot is a classic Civil War Issue 1861 . 58 caliber percussion rifled musket. The Model 1861 was the standard issue muzzle loading rifle throughout the Civil War. Tens of thousands of captured battlefield 1861s were also used by the Confederacy. Period photographs of soldiers on both sides of the war are often seen holding this model rifle. Famed Civil War photographer Matthew Brady made numerous images of the aftermath of battles in which this exact model of rifle is often depicted strewn across corpse-littered battlefields. Since Springfield Armory could not manufacture 1861 muskets in the quantities required for the war effort, the U. S. Government contracted with the best Gunmakers in the Northeast to manufacture these rifles. The company of William Mason of Taunton, Massachusetts received and filled a contract for 30, 000 Model 1861s. This example is one of this contract which was delivered in 1863. All Model 1861 rifled muskets were . 58 caliber and designed to fire the effective hollow base Minie Bullet. All had 40ó barrels, three barrel bands and a clean-out screw in the bolster. All also had iron mountings, were finished bright (not blued), fitted with walnut stocks and steel ram rods. This fine example shows clear lock plate markings WM. MASONó over TAUNTONó and the rear of the lock plate is dated 1863. The top breech end of the barrel is also dated 1863 and contains the correct standard U. S. proof marks consisting of a V Pó over eagle head. There is also a U. S. ó stamp on the top of the butt plate. It retains the correct and original three folding leaf rear sight with the two folded leaves marked 3ó and 5ó for yardage in hundreds. The left side of the stock opposite the lock retains the correct and desirable two sharp inspector cartouches. Having these on the stock shows that this was the original, issued stock and not a replacement which would not have inspector cartouche stampings. This example is exceptional in that unlike most Model 1861s found on the collector market today, it has never been polished or cleaned bright, which would diminish the collector value. All metal parts show a lovely deep aged patina and even retain a good deal of old dried storage grease that has never been cleaned off! It also retains the correct original sling swivels, has a tight and excellent mechanical action and even has a bright excellent rifled bore! The 1861 Rifled Musket saw service throughout the entire Civil War and was in every major battle and minor skirmish. After the war, soldiers often retained their rifles with many traveling West as ex-soldier pioneers. One of the most historical of U. S. Military rifles, the 1861 Percussion Rifled Musket in this exceptional, unaltered condition is a much valued and sought after item on the collector market today. The rifle qualifies as an Antique Long Gun, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: NSN. Condition For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer?s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.
CONTRACT MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET. S. Norris and W.T. Clement Springfield Massachusetts. .58 caliber 40'' round barrel with three bands dated 1863 walnut stock with two cartouches. Bright and clean with only minor corrosion. Walnut stock has been cleaned but finish appears older.
U.S. Springfield Model 1861 Rifle.
Serial # 20 This is a standard issue Civil War issued rifle in .58 caliber percussion with a 39-3/4" barrel finished in the white. Has all proper U.S. stamps. Has the proper military rear sight and original nipple. Top of barrel is stamped "Eastover". Sideplate is dated 1862. Sideplate and hammer are basically a gun metal grey with freckling. Both screws have some damage. The barrel exterior is extremely clean with just some brown age toning. Original walnut stock is excellent with usual war dings, but is not cracked, and has visible cartouche on left side. Strong rifled bore with some usual abrasion and should clean to fine. Original ramrod. A very nice example of an early war Springfield.
Civil War Springfield Model 1861 Artillery Rifle lockplate and barrel marked "1862", 30-1/8 in. barrel, .58 cal., rifled barrel, butt plate marked "US",
U. S. Springfield Model 1866 . 50-70 Caliber Rifle: This lot provides you with a historically significant U. S. Springfield Model 1866 . 50-70 caliber rifle. This was the first center fire rifle issued by the U. S. Government mainly for the Indian Wars. All were conversions to cartridge-firing breech loading rifles made from Civil War U. S. Springfield Model 1861 . 58 caliber muzzle loaders and retain their original 40‰Û barrels that Springfield lined to 50 caliber (actual length to face of breech is 36 5/8‰Û). This was the rifle used in the last battles of Red Cloud‰Ûªs War in the famous battles known as the ‰ÛÏWagon Box Fight‰Û near Fort Phil Kearny in Wyoming on August 2, 1867, and the ‰ÛÏHayfield Fight‰Û the previous day on August 1, 1867 near Fort C. F. Smith in Wyoming. In both instances soldiers from each fort were away performing wood cutting or hay gathering tasks when large numbers of Lakota Sioux attacked. Unknown to the Indian attackers, the soldiers were armed with the new Model 1866 . 50 caliber breech loading rifles. After the first volley was fired by the soldiers, the Indians, believing the soldiers now had to reload their muzzle loading rifles, charged. Instantly the soldiers reloaded their new rifles with . 50-70 fixed ammunition and fired again. Confused by this rapidity of fire, the Indians withdrew and eventually abandoned the fights. It was only the new Model 1866 rifles that allowed a small number of well armed soldiers to hold off a superior number of Indians. This rare and totally original example is in excellent condition overall. The breech block clearly stamped ‰ÛÏ1866‰Û over the correct eagle head stamping. ‰ÛÏU. S. ‰Û marked butt plate. Correct folding leaf sights. The lock plate also correctly stamped with the ‰ÛÏeagle‰Û and ‰ÛÏU. S. Springfield‰Û as well as the date 1864 (this was the original Civil War lock plate that was correctly converted to breech loading in 1866). Retains the correct and original cleaning rod (these usually missing). The wood has never been sanded, cleaned or refinished and is solid without cracks or damage. The barrels on Model 1866 rifles were left ‰ÛÏin the white‰Û meaning they were not blued as later guns were, the metal surfaces on the barrel have never been cleaned or polished and now have a natural aged patina which is important in evaluating this model. Sling Swivels are intact, mechanically superb condition and even has a sharp, bright and minty condition well maintained excellent bore! Many of these early cartridge firing Springfield rifles were later cut down and ‰ÛÏsporterized‰Û by frontiersmen and it is now very difficult to find an example in all original condition. The rare Springfield Model 1866 is a key firearm of the early post-Civil War Indian Wars of the West. This is an excellent example worthy of the finest firearm or Native American Artifact collection or museum. The rifle qualifies as an Antique Long Gun, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: NSN. Condition For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer‰Ûªs responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.
SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1861 RIFLED MUSKET WITH BAYONET. Cal. 58. NSN. 40” part oct bbl. Standard Springfield markings in front of hammer with “1862” at tail of lockplate and “1863” date on top of bbl. “V / P / eagle head” acceptance marks on left quarter flat of bbl and “N.J” on left flat. An illegible cartouche is stamped on left flat of stock. 18-1/2” bayonet is marked “US” at base. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Gray patina overall and some remaining brightness on lock. Bayonet has many spots of rust staining and some light pitting. Stock has normal handling marks with some battering on left side. Mechanically fine. Wm. Hancock Collection 4-58616 FS689 (1,500-2,500)
Civil War Model 1861 . 58 Cal Percussion Musket: Offered for your consideration is a classic Civil War Issue 1861 . 58 caliber percussion rifled musket. The Model 1861 was the standard issue muzzle loading rifle throughout the Civil War. Tens of thousands of captured battlefield 1861's were also used by the Confederacy. Period photographs of soldiers on both sides of the war are often seen holding this model rifle. Famed Civil War photographer Matthew Brady made numerous images of the aftermath of battles in which this exact model of rifle is often depicted strewn across corpse-littered battlefields. Since Springfield Armory could not manufacture 1861 muskets in the quantities required for the war effort, the U. S. Government contracted with the best Gunmakers in the Northeast to manufacture these rifles. Charles B. Hoard of Watertown, New York received and filled a contract for 12, 800 Model 1861s. This example is one from this contract which was delivered in 1864. All Model 1861 rifled muskets were . 58 caliber and designed to fire the effective hollow base Minié ball bullet. All had 40” barrels, three barrel bands and a clean-out screw in the bolster. All also had iron mountings, were finished bright (not blue’d), fitted with walnut stocks and steel ram rods. This fine example shows clear and correct lock plate markings “U. S. WATERTOWN” along with the American Eagle. The rear of the lock plate is also clearly stamped with the manufacture and issue date “1864. ” The top breech end of the barrel contains the correct standard U. S. proof marks consisting of a “V P” etc. There is also a “U. S. ” stamp on the top of the butt plate. This fine rifle also retains the correct and original three folding leaf rear sight with the two folded leaves marked “3” and “5” for yardage in hundreds. This example is in fine condition and unlike most Model 1861s found on the collector market today, it appears to have never been polished or cleaned bright, which would diminish the collector value. All metal parts show a lovely naturally dulled appearance with only light normal aging. It also retains the correct original sling swivels, has a tight and excellent mechanical action and even has a fine rifled bore! The walnut stock is solid and shows fine overall condition without splits, cracks or chips. The 1861 Rifled Musket saw service throughout the entire Civil War and was in every major battle and minor skirmish. After the war, soldiers often retained their rifles with many traveling west with ex-soldier pioneers. Many were also sold in huge quantities to the West as surplus arms by large arms dealers such as Schuyler, Hartley and Graham of New York City. One of the most historical of U. S. Military rifles, the 1861 Percussion Rifled Musket in this very fine condition is a much valued and sought after item on the collector market today. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Condition For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.
Model 1861 Springfield Musket and Bayonet, c. 1862, walnut stock with double cartouche on left side, steel lock marked U.S./SPRINGFIELD, and dated 1862, breech of barrel marked 1862, with a V/P, bayonet marked on the base of the blade with a U.S, barrel lg. 40, overall lg. 58 in. Provenance: With this musket is a mid-20th century letter stating that it was carried in the Civil War by Carlos Clinton Tracy, Company D, 14th Connecticut Regiment, and carried this musket at the battle. Estimate $800-1,000 Stock has a few dings and nicks, steel parts on gun have a dark patina, as does the bayonet. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET. .58 caliber 40'' round barrel with three bands dated 1862 walnut stock. Old finish on stock wear a few losses scratched initials barrel and frame with some corrosion and pitting.
CIVIL WAR-ERA POWDER FLASK AND BAYONET. Revolver powder flask, ca. 1861-1865, brass. Eagle and stars on both sides. Minor imperfections. 4 3/4"l. Together with a marked "US" bayonet and scabbard for a .58 caliber Springfield, including leather scabbard with brass tip. Imperfections. 22 1/4"l.
U.S. Civil War Springfield Model 1861 percussion musket circa 1861-64
NVSN; .58 caliber, walnut stock, nickel finish, marked "U.S." on buttplate of barrel, "S.N. & W.T.C. FOR MASSACHUSETTS LDP" on left side of breech barrel and eagle over "U.S." and "1863" on lockplate.
overall L51 1/4" barrel L35 3/8"
Provenance: Property deaccessioned from the Centennial Museum at the University of Texas at El Paso to benefit the Museum Collections Fund. (Accession #999990010304 and H660). Brass plaque with State of Texas Inventory #724-16630 fastened to buttplate.
Literature: Flayderman, Norm. FLAYDERMAN'S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS AND THEIR VALUES. 9th ed. Gun Digest Books, 2007. pp.569-71, #9A-331.
Graf, John F. STANDARD CATALOG OF CIVIL WAR FIREARMS. Gun Digest Books, 2008. p.45.
Other Notes: A contract rifle-musket made by S. Norris and W. T. Clement for the State of Massachusetts, 1863-64. The contract called for 11,000 to be delivered (Graf says 13,000).
Condition: Bore is rifled so it is not an after-war shotgun. Barrel is shorter than standard and stock is not original. "U" for band springs on all three barrel bands but no band springs are present; there is no evidence that the band spring mortises were filled in. Wood is in good condition with a few dings; metal nickeled over pitting.
RARE IDENTIFIED CONFEDERATE RIFLE/MUSKET. Cal. 58. NSN. 1861 Springfield rifle/musket with usual markings and configuration. Left side of the stock is neatly hand carved "J.D. McADAMS Co I 26 NCT". The 26th North Carolina Troops (NCT) was organized in 1861 with Pvt. J.D. McAdams enlisting in Tennessee County, NC at Camp Vance on 12-7-61. He is listed as 24 years old. This unit fought at Gettysburg and on July 2, 1863 lost 588 of 800 troops. On July 3rd they lost an additional 120. The 26th had the gruesome distinction of having the highest casualty rate of any Confederate Unit at Gettysburg. The Unit survived and surrendered with Lee at Appomattox Court House on 9 April 1865. This musket was unquestionably a captured rifle and at one time was used in hand to hand fighting as there is a very deep sword cut about half way up the bbl. Accompanied by an orig Civil War Era musket sling with brass hook that has been crudely carved "SLOW". CONDITION: Very good. Metal retains a dark brown heavy patina. It was cleaned a long time ago with some draw filing & deep pitting and now has this dark patina. Rear sight has one broken blade. Stock has a couple of hairlines back of the lockplate, otherwise retains a very dark patina. Inscription is clear. Sling is fine with a reconditioned dry crackled surface with about 50% orig finish. Mechanics are fine, strong crusty bore. 4-57353 JR775 (7,500-12,500)
SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1861 RIFLED MUSKET WITH BAYONET. NSN. Cal.58. 40” part oct. bbl. Walnut stock. Standard Springfield markings and proof marks dated 1861 on the lockplate and bbl. Bayonet has foreign proof marks and is slightly loose on bbl. CONDITION: All metal surfaces have been cleaned to bright with light pitting remaining. Wood has been varnished over the dents and scratches. Mechanically good. 4-58173 (1,000-1,500)
Burnside and Springfield Model 1861 Rifle, Devon Farm: Two Civil War era rifles: Burnside carbine and Springfield Model 1861 rifle. Possible early battlefield finds associated with Battle of Nashville. 1st item: Burnside . 54 Caliber Percussion breech loading carbine. Action functional. Barrel length - 20". Overall length - 39 1/2". 2nd item: Springfield Model 1861 rifle . 58 caliber. Proper swell tip ramrod included. Barrel length - 40". Overall length - 56". Provenance: the estate of Sarah Hunter Hicks Green, formerly of Historic Devon Farm, Nashville, Tennessee. (Higher-resolution photos are available at www. caseantiques. com) Condition Both relic battlefield pickup condition with oxidation and pitting. Heavily oxidized and metal pitted. Rear sight and middle barrel band missing on Springfield.
SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1861 PERCUSSION MUSKET Springfield Model 1861 percussion musket. .58 caliber. Walnut stock with 1863 lock date. 40" barrel length, 56" overall.
Burnside and Springfield Model 1861 Rifle, Devon Farm Two Civil War era rifles: Burnside carbine and Springfield Model 1861 rifle. Possible early battlefield finds associated with Battle of Nashville. 1st item: Burnside .54 Caliber Percussion breech loading carbine. Action functional. Barrel length - 20". Overall length - 39 1/2". 2nd item: Springfield Model 1861 rifle .58 caliber. Proper swell tip ramrod included. Barrel length - 40". Overall length - 56". Provenance: the estate of Sarah Hunter Hicks Green, formerly of Historic Devon Farm, Nashville, Tennessee. (Higher-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)
U.S, Springfield 1861 Rifle Musket, 58 caliber, 40" round barrel, three barrel bands with "U" mark, ram rod, fixed front sight, lacks rear sight, marked at left barrel near breech "VP over eagle", marked at the lockplate eagle over "U.S. Springfield" and marked behind hammer "1862", two sling loops, left stock marked "TRUE", butt plate tang marked "US" and "124", barrel brown, wood with expected scars and scratches, action good, bore needs cleaning, overall: approx. 58.75"l, 9.40lbs
EXTREMELY RARE BERDAN CONVERSION OF COLT MODEL 1861 SPECIAL MUSKET. Cal. 58 Centerfire. SN 11. Reportedly the only known example extant. This rifle has its original 40" bbl with square base front sight/bayonet lug, three bands with 2-blade musket rear sight. It is mounted in its original 1-pc walnut stock with musket buttplate and a small metal tag on the toe with the number "7" embossed upon it. The conversion was accomplished by cutting away about 3" of the rear of the bbl and fitting a lifting breechblock. The block is attached to the bbl by means of a female dovetail sliding over a male block, which engages a flat spring-loaded pin that locks into the front of the slide. The breechblock resembles a later Springfield style with 2-pc firing pin and a solid handle protruding from the right side. It is only secured into the recess with the hammer when in the down position. The bottom of the breechblock, the inside of the slide and hinge pin are all numbered "11". The muzzle is counterbored about 5/8" and has a small brass & leather tampion which has a patent date of "1863". This exact rifle is pictured on page 472 and again on page 476 of The Book of Colt Firearms by R.L. Wilson. At the time of printing it was in the collection of Robert Q. Sutherland. It is accompanied by an original black leather sling with brass hook. Also accompanies is an unmarked Enfield style triangle socket bayonet. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Retains most of its bright original finish to the metal and fine oil finish on the wood. Stock has minor nicks & scratches, otherwise is sound. Brilliant shiny bore. Bayonet is fine. 4-50982 JR909 (4,500-6,500)
U.S. Roberts Model 1861/63 conversion rifle musket and bayonet circa 1869-70
NVSN; .58 caliber Roberts rimfire, tilting block, walnut stock, nickel finish, marked "ROBERTS PAT. JUNE. 11. 1867" on left side of breech, "U.S." on buttplate tang, "U.S. SPRINGFIELD" and eagle and "1865" on lockplate; together with 18" triangular blade bayonet marked "U.S."
overall L55 3/4" barrel L36 3/4" to ring on breech
Provenance: Property deaccessioned from the Centennial Museum at the University of Texas at El Paso to benefit the Museum Collections Fund. (Accession #56.06.01 inked on triggerguard)
Literature: Flayderman, Norm. FLAYDERMAN'S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS AND THEIR VALUES. 9th ed. Gun Digest Books, 2007. p.576, #9A351.
Kiesling, Paul. BAYONETS OF THE WORLD, THE COMPLETE EDITION. Oosterbeek, Netherlands, 2009. p.551, #305.
Other Notes: Flayderman (p.576) indicates this conversion is for a centerfire cartridge but this example is for a rimfire cartridge. Also, cocking the hammer does not close the breech, contrary to what Flayderman says [Through his 5th edition he says that the conversion is for .58 rimfire. That changed in his 6th edition, without clarification. It would appear that there was an error made and it has been perpetuated in later editions. This gun is clearly a rimfire version].
Condition: Bore has some pitting. All metal except for buttplate has been nickeled, otherwise good condtion with some evidence of roughness on bands and barrel.
LOT OF 2 AMERICAN FIREARMS. 1) Springfield Model 1868 Trapdoor Rifle. Cal. 50. SN 2214. Usual configuration with 32 1/2" bbl, square base front sight with broken blade, ladder rear sight, and 1869-dated breechblock with 1863-dated lockplate. CONDITION: Fair to good. Dark brown patina overall with traces of silvered case colors on breechblock and lockplate. Stock cracked on the left side by the action and retains a dark oiled finish with usual nicks and dings, strong bright bore with moderate pitting. 2) Civil War Era Enfield Musket. Cal. 58. 1861-dated "TOWER" lock, 39" bbl, standard sights, button head ramrod, 1-pc stock, 3 bands, brass trigger guard and buttplate, British proofed. CONDITION: Fair to good. Dark brown patina overall. Heavily pitted around the nipple area and has been cleaned. Also, cleaned lockplate; hammer stud screw broke; hairline left side panel; otherwise sound with nicks and dings and a few gouges, strong dark bore. 4-52292 JR105 (800-1,200)
A fine U.S. Model 1861 Springfield rifle musket
The 40 inch .58 caliber barrel with blued rear sight and marked at the breech with VP over eaglehead and dated 1862. Lock with standard Springfield markings and 1862 date. Iron furniture of standard pattern. Full walnut stock, the counterplate flat with two inspector's cartouches: ESA for E.S. Alin, the second partially obscured. Original brown leather sling.
Condition: Fine. Smooth, bright metal showing some very minor spotting and generally sharp markings with slight wear to eaglehead at breech. Excellent wood with sharp edges and few small marks. Sling broken above triggerguard.
See Illustration
C.S. RICHMOND VIRGINIA 1863 LONGARMConfederate percussion carbine, .58 caliber, low hump type III lock plate marked "C.S. Richmond, V.A." and "1863" with damaged "8" from the die strike, 25 in. barrel, "VP" and "Eagles Head" hallmarks to left side of barrel, wedge shaped front sight, shaped mortice for rear sight, trigger guard with swivel, walnut stock with steel butt plate, 41 in. overall
Note: In 1861 Thomas Jackson led Confederate troops to the Union held town of Harpers Ferry in western Virginia. He captured walnut stocks and machinery used to manufacture Springfield 1855 Muskets. The confiscated goods were shipped through Virginia down to Richmond where production of Richmond Rifles began at Confederate ordinance facilities. Production of these types of rifles took place from 1861-1865.
Provenance: Private Collection
Condition:
possibly a composite gun, stock appears to be altered or not original to the rest of the gun, stock has heavy wear and losses around the action and rear of barrel, barrel and front sight may be altered, missing rear sight, lock plate missing screw and internal parts including the mainspring, mainspring locating pin, tumbler and swivel, oxidation and some pitting to metal surfaces, ram rod, barrel band and swivels missing for carbine sized gun, action is not in working order
Needham Conversion Of Mod 1861 Springfield Musket.
Serial # NSV These conversions were performed in Trenton, New Jersey circa 1869. Immediately after the Civil War, the Irish-American secret society, the Fenian Brotherhood, plotted to invade Canada. They purchased 4,200 muzzle loading Model 1861 rifled muskets from Alfred Jenks, the contractor of the M1861 Bridesburg Musket. They were distributed to the Fenian group, 600 of whom crossed the Canadian border in June 1866, defeating a company of Canadian Volunteers. They were arrested by U.S. authorities and their weapons confiscated, but were released and weapons returned. In 1869 they reorganized so they secretly rented premises in Trenton, New Jersey and converted these weapons using the Needham patent. Using these converted weapons, they again invaded Canada in 1870 via Vermont. 200 were captured and all arms were confiscated. They were later sold to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York City. They were sold in various catalogs from 1884 to the 1920's. Caliber is listed as .58 centerfire. That said, this rifle remains in excellent condition. Barrel measures 35-3/4" and is finished in the white. The sideplate is dated 1862 with the eagle and Bridesburg clearly visible. Hammer, sideplate, and frame are a pleasing mix of gun metal and soft brown patina. The walnut stocks are excellent, except there is a 4" crack on left side of forearm. Has three barrel bands, all U.S. stamped. Rear barrel band is in the white, the other two are blued. Original ramrod. Left side of stock is stamped "I.N.". Buttplate stamped "U.S.". Has a standard military Springfield rear sight. Strong clean bore. The barrel is clean, in the white, near mint, with very minor freckling. A very high condition and unusual rifle with a storied history.