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. While most were made at Springfield Armory, there were some smaller companies making rifles under contract for specific states.

This fine, original Civil War weapon is a .58 caliber S. Norris & W.T. Clement contract Model 1863 Type I Artillery Short Rifled Musket. The Norris & Clement contract musket was a product of the Samuel Norris and W.T. Clement factory of Springfield, Massachusetts. Some three thousand long arm weapons were produced by the firm directly for the State of Massachusetts during the years of 1863 and 1864. These are quite rare to find, in any condition.

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, though it definitely has suffered fire damage to the fore stock, very possibly from combat. It is dated 1864 on the lock plate tail, and also has an Eagle stamped into the lock over U.S.. To the right under the cap bolster is the manufacturer and contract information:

Lock holds properly at half cock, firing at full cock. The markings on the lock are mostly clear and overall the lock plate is in good condition, with a nice peppered patina. The cap bolster also has the proper eagle stamping, though it is very faint due to powder burn. The bore shows clear three groove rifling, with just a bit of fouling in areas.

The one piece walnut stock is still in good condition, considering the fire damage to the front end. There is even the trace of an inspector's cartouche still under the rear lock screw. It is structurally sound, with no repairs that we can see. The barrel does have quite a bit of powder burn and oxidation near the breech, which has obliterated all of the proofs and other markings This gun has the Type I pattern double leaf rear sight that is a bit loose on the barrel, and is unfortunately rust frozen. The original ramrod was also replaced with a stained wooden dowel for display.

A very interesting short artillery rifle from the civil war, but a very rare maker. If not for the fire damage, this would definitely be a top tier item. Still, as it is, it would make a wonderful display piece, a relic from the United States' most bloody war.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1864
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Minie Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 31 Inches
Overall Length: 47 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.