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.

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 I 1863 however escaped conversion, and is presented for sale in the original Civil War era configuration, complete with an original bayonet and sling. It has had the original rear sight replaced with a more modern ladder sight, which is only attached at the front, and it also looks to at some point have had an early style Springfield side plate fitted, later removed and the hole filled. We are not sure why this was done, and it now has the original small round escutcheons around the lock screws.

It is however one of those Model 1863s ordered directly by a state, in this case Massachusetts. They had these rifled muskets produced under contract by Samuel Norris and W.T. Clement of Springfield, Massachusetts. The company delivered only 2,000 pieces in 1863 and 1,000 in 1864, making it one of the rarer Union Army Contract Muskets. The lock has the correct beveled "S" shaped hammer, and it is dated 1863 on the lock plate tail, with a Federal Eagle over U.S. stamped under the hammer. To the right of this is the Mass. contract marking:

S.N. & W.T.C.
FOR
MASSACHUSETTS

The markings on the lock plate are still crisp and clear, and the plate overall shows a lovely mottled patina with no major rust issues. The cap bolster eagle marking above however is unfortunately mostly worn away from powder burn and cleaning. The barrel nocks form has however seen only minor wear, so the the V / P / Eagle's Head proof marks on the left barrel facet are legible, as is the 1864 date on the barrel tang. There is also an L.F.R. inspection mark on the left side of the barrel for inspector Lafayette F. Rogers.

The metalwork is overall in very good condition, showing a lovely polished bright steel patina, with just a bit of past oxidation and peppering. There is a bit of past powder burn around the cap nipple bolster area, but no major pit rust and oxidation. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, with no mechanical issues to note. The bore is also in excellent condition, still showing crisp lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is a bit of past fouling, but nothing major, showing it was well cared for during service.

The "barleycorn" front sight is still attached firmly at the front of the barrel, showing wear on the sides, while the rear sight has some type of long range rifle sight attached that we do not recognize, but looks to have been on the rifle for quite some time. The butt-plate is stamped U.S. as per regulation, and all barrel bands are U stamped. Both sling swivels are still present, and the hardware is solid. The ramrod is the tulip type without an enlarged shank, correct for the model 1863.

The one piece walnut stock still is in very good condition, showing a repair around the barrel tang. There is also some wood filler repair around the lock plate, and the previously mentioned filled side plate channel where an earlier style example was installed for some reason. It has been fully cleaned and restored, and really has a great look. There is just a trace of the original cartouche still present.

The included bayonet is very nice, and has a lovely polished steel patina, still showing the original U.S. marking on the ricasso. There is no major oxidation, and it still attaches easily to the front of the rifle. The original leather sling is in relatively good condition, especially considering the age. It is made from multiple pieces of leather, and we do not know if this is from original production or a spliced repair.

A lovely example of a rare U.S. Civil War Union Contract Rifle with some interesting modifications. One of only 2000 produced for the state of Massachusetts in 1863, complete with an original bayonet and sling. This would find a welcome home in any U.S. Civil War collection. Fully cleaned and ready for display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1863
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

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Socket Length: 3"
Overall length: 21"

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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.