Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. 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.

This rifle is identified to Private John Henry Buck, Company E, 14th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry. This regiment saw a heavy amount of fighting in the Skirmish near Burlington, the Battle of Cloyd's Mountain, the Battle of Rutherford's Farm, the Second Battle of Kernstown, the Battle of Berryville, the Third Battle of Winchester, the Battle of Fisher's Hill, and the Battle of Cedar Creek.

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.

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.

This type II 1863 however escaped conversion, and is presented for sale in the original Civil War era configuration. It is dated 1864 on the lock plate tail, and also has a Federal Eagle stamped into the lock over U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating production at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is one of the nicest locks we have seen on these. The lock markings are fully legible, and there is not any serious oxidation or powder burn present, just a lovely dark gray patina. The cap bolster still bears a Eagle stamping, though it is a small bit worn due to cleaning and powder burn, which also is present on the top and side of the barrel. This has made the V / P / (Eagle's Head) proofs on the left facet of the breech faint, and completely removed the date.

The left side of the stock by the wrist still has two visible cartouches, the first being an ESA oval cartouche, for Erskine. S. Allin. He was master Armorer at Springfield Armory from 1853 until his death in 1879, as well as the designer of the trapdoor system. The second cartouche is an FWS rectangular cartouche, for Frank W. Sanderson. Really some very nice markings on this example!

This gun is fitted with the correct type II single leaf rear sight, and has the correct Type II solid bands retained by springs. The butt-plate is stamped U.S. as per regulation. It has a tulip shaped ramrod that does not have an enlarged shank, and both sling swivels are present and move easily. The "barleycorn" front sight is in great shape, still firmly attached to the barrel. This gun is fitted with the correct Type II solid bands retained by springs. We checked the lock action, and it is fully functional. The bore still shows clear three groove rifling, with some overall fouling and oxidation near the muzzle, indicating that this musket did see light use while in service. The one piece walnut stock still is in very good condition, with a lovely polished glow. There are some dents and dings, but there’s no serious damage to this gorgeous stock.

John Henry Buck was born on March 15th, 1847 in Tyler County, West Virginia. He enlisted in the West Virginia Infantry on August 14th, 1863, and was assigned to Company E. According to the letter of provenance, while serving in the war, Buck was captured and incarcerated at Andersonville Prison. While here, he contracted Tuberculosis, which he suffered with for 16 years before passing away on April 15th, 1881. We have found Buck’s pension card, draft notice, and his compiled Union service record. This record shows he served as a prison guard in May 1863, and was absent without leave in January 1865. We have found no actual record that he was held at Andersonville Prison, but there wouldn’t be much record of this. This rifle was certainly used by Buck during the Civil War, adding a great amount of character to this already fantastic rifle.

A very nice example, offered in fantastic condition. It shows a bit of age but will be very presentable in any U.S. Civil War collection. Ready to display!

Specifications (Musket):-

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

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