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.

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 Model 1863 however escaped conversion, however it definitely was significantly modified, most likely during period, by having the barrel shortened by what looks to be 10-12 inches. This may have been to use as a short rifle for artillery, or possibly a sporter. It does not look to have seen much use in that purpose, and was most likely tucked away or hung on a wall.

However, it then came into the hands of someone who wanted nice battle-worn looking Springfield Model 1863 Rifled Musket to hang on the wall. They attached a piece of steel pipe with an interior diameter of about .624" to the front of the cut down barrel, and then added a front barleycorn sight to the end. It was then apparently expertly aged and feathered to match the exterior so well that it is nearly impossible to tell it was extended. The only way to really tell is to look at the bore, and the three groove rifling definitely stops about 12 inches from the muzzle.

To complete the look, the stock was cut off under the lower barrel band, and a fore stock from a donor rifle put in its place, held in place by the barrel bands. The stock is definitely a Type II stock, as it has the band springs for retaining solid bands. However the upper two bands are the screw retained type, so most likely the rifle was made as a Type I, and has the correct three leaf rear sight. As it is now, on the wall, it would be impossible to tell that it has ever been modified, except to the most discerning expert eye. However we should note that it is for DISPLAY ONLY, and is there should not be any attempt to use it as a firing weapon, as the barrel is completely unsafe. We have no idea when the rifle was returned to full length, but it looks to have been some time ago.

As we offer it, this display rifle really looks much as it should. It is dated 1863 on the lock plate tail, and also has an Eagle stamped into the lock over U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating production at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The lock markings are fully legible, and there is not any serious oxidation or powder burn present, just a lovely dark gray patina. We checked the lock action, and it is still fully functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full. The cap bolster eagle stamping however is definitely worn away, as are the markings on the breech of the barrel.

This gun still has the original rear sight, which is a early 3 leaf type, with flip up apertures for 100, 300, and 500 yards. The barrel bands are correctly U marked, with U.S. on the butt plate as per regulation. It still has both sling swivels, which move well, however the ramrod is missing.

A very interesting example, heavily modified but really looking the part, and would be very presentable in any U.S. Civil War collection. Ready to display!

Specifications (Musket):-

Year of Manufacture: 1863
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

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

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.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

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.