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, with no wartime or post war alterations. It is also 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 mostly crisp and clear, though the plate does show some overall oxidation and past peppering on the tail and on the hammer. It has seen use, so there is powder burn around the cap nipple cone bolster, and the small "Federal Eagle" that would be on the bolster has been completely removed by peppering. The barrel nocks form has seen less wear, so the V / P / Eagle's Head proof marks on the left barrel facet are legible, as is the 1864 date on the top. We checked the left side of the stock for inspector's cartouches, but none were visible. As the lock is dated 1863 and the barrel dated 1864, it would be one of the 1,000 delivered in 1864.

The metalwork shows evidence of past patinated oxidation and peppering, later removed, which has left a matte finish on much of the top of the barrel. The woodline on the barrel in the forestock area also shows some past pitting along the woodline, and there is some past peppering present on the barrel bands and other fittings. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, with no mechanical issues to note. We checked the bore, and it is in good condition, with the three groove rifling still visible, but also displaying a good amount of powder fouling and oxidation.

The "barleycorn" front sight is still attached firmly at the front of the barrel, showing wear on the sides, and the rear of the barrel is fitted with a correct fully functional three leaf 100 / 300 / 500 range sight. The butt-plate is stamped U.S. as per regulation, and all barrel bands are U stamped. Both sling swivels are still present, however the upper swivel is stiff, and the lower is rust frozen. The ramrod is the tulip type without an enlarged shank, correct for the model 1863, and still has intact threads on the end.

The one piece American black walnut stock still is in very good service used condition, without any major repairs or damage that we can see. It has the beautiful red brown color of aged and oiled walnut, only achieved after many long years. There is a small repaired crack to the rear of the lock plate, and there is also staining and erosion along the wood line of the fore stock due to contact with the steel as it oxidized. There is overall wear commensurate with long service, including dents, dings, and other standard issues from use.

A lovely service used of a rare U.S. Civil War Union Contract Rifle with a fantastic bore, one of One of only 3000 produced for the state of Massachusetts, this would find a welcome home in any U.S. Civil War collection. Fully cleaned and ready for display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1863 & 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.

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.