Original Item: Only One Available. The Springfield Model 1863 rifled musket is a .58 caliber rifled musket produced by the Springfield Armory between 1863 and 1865. The Model 1863 was a minor improvement over the Springfield Model 1861. As such, it is sometimes classified as just a variant of the Model 1861. The Model 1861, with all of its variants, was the most commonly used longarm in the American Civil War, with over 700,000 manufactured. The Model 1863 also has the distinction of being the last muzzle-loading longarm produced by the Springfield Armory.

The Model 1863 was produced in two variants. The Type I eliminated the band springs and replaced the flat barrel bands with oval clamping bands. It also featured a new ramrod, a case-hardened lock, a new hammer, and a redesigned bolster (percussion chamber). Several of these modifications were based upon Colt's contract model 1861, known as the "Colt special". 273,265 Type I variants were manufactured in 1863.

The Type II is sometimes referred to as the Model 1864, but is more commonly referred to as just a variant of the Model 1863. This version re-introduced band springs, replaced the clamping bands with solid oval bands, and replaced the three leaf rear sight with single leaf sight. A total of 255,040 of these were manufactured from 1864 to 1865.

Most of the Model 1863 Rifled Muskets were made by Springfield Armory, which by 1863 had ramped up production to the point that it did not need as many contractors. Also, many of the Model 1861 contractors continued making that model throughout the war, so they would not need to update their tooling. However there were several contractors that did produce the Model 1863, which were often ordered directly by the states, and not the Federal Government. We previously had believed that Edward Robinson of New York, N.Y., who produced some 30,000 weapons for the army during the Civil War, had only made Model 1861 Muskets until the end of the war. However, this example seems to indicate that they did produce some of the Model 1863s, making this a very interesting example.

By the end of the Civil War, muzzle-loading rifles and muskets were considered obsolete. In the years following the Civil War, many Model 1863 muskets were converted into breech-loading "Trapdoor Springfields". The breech-loading weapons increased the rate of fire from 3 to 4 rounds per minute to 8 to 10 rounds per minute. The Model 1863 could be converted to breech-loading for about $5, at a time when a new rifle would cost about $20. The conversion of Model 1863 rifles therefore represented a significant cost savings to the U.S. military. With these modifications, the basic Model 1861 / 1863 evolved into the Springfield Model 1873 which served the US until being replaced in the 1890s by modern breech loading rifles chambered for new smokeless powder rounds that were far superior to the Model 1873.

This excellent example of a Model 1863 however escaped conversion, and is presented for sale in the original Civil War era configuration. It looks to possibly have been arsenal reconditioned at some point, and it just looks fantastic. The rifled musket is dated 1864 on the lock plate tail, and also has the Federal Eagle stamped into the lock under the hammer over U.S.. To the right of this is the contractor's maker mark: E. ROBINSON / NEW YORK. The markings on the lock are crisp and overall the lock plate is in very good condition, especially considering the age, with just some light staining. It also has the correct beveled hammer used on the Model 1863, which shows much of the original case-hardened finish.

The barrel nocks form does look to have been cleaned at some point, and while the 1864 date is clear on the top facet, the inspection cartouches on the left side have been worn away. We cannot see any inspection cartouches on the left side of the walnut stock, which is in really fantastic shape, showing a lovely red brown color under the oil finish, with very little wear from service. There are just a few small dents and no major chips, cracks, or other damage. Definitely one of the best we have seen recently.

The barrel still retains the Type I three leaf rear sight, which has the 100, 300, and 500 leaves all present and still easy to move. Interestingly, it has the Type II barrel bands, held on by springs, so this is a transitional model between the Type I and type II. The metal work was originally bright, and now has matured to show a somewhat gray patina, with a few signs of past peppering on the barrel.

We checked the lock action, and it functions great, holding at half cock and firing at full, with no slop in the action. The cap nipple cone is also in great shape, looking to possibly have been replaced during the period. We checked the bore, and it is as close to MINT as we have ever seen on a Springfield rifled musket. We can still clearly see the cutting marks in the grooves, and it is bright in a shiny. We almost doubt that this barrel was ever fired.

A truly excellent example of a Springfield Model 1863 Contract Rifled Musket, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1864
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Minié Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.