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 Type II Model 1863 however escaped conversion, and is presented for sale in the original percussion configuration. However, it looks like during its service it was captured by Confederate forces and put into service! It shows quite a bit of wear to the exterior from service, and the left facet of the stock by the lock screws is marked as follows:-

Co. "?", 41ST REG.
ARMY OF TENN.

This is a clear reference to the 41st Tennessee Infantry Regiment, and while the company letter is marred, from what we can see, it has to be either a B or a D. The Army of Tennessee was the principal Confederate army operating between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. The 41st Regiment was raised from the central Tennessee area, with Company B, the "Richmond Gentry", being recruited from Bedford County, and Company D, the "Liberty Guards", coming from Lincoln County.

The 41st was involved in many campaigns during the war, which include:
- The Battle of Fort Donelson in Tennessee
- The Battles of Raymond and Jackson Mississippi
- The Battle of Chickamauga in Georgia
- The Battle of Missionary Ridge near Chattanooga, Tenn.

After the Confederate loss at Missionary Ridge, the 41st took part in Johnston's Retreat to Atlanta. After regrouping and returning home, they fought at the Battles of Franklin and Nashville in Tennessee, which spelled the end of the Army of Tennessee as an effective fighting force. The regiment surrendered on April 26, 1865. Its commanders were Colonels Robert Farquarson and James D. Tillman, and Lieutenant Colonels Robert G. McClure and Thomas G. Miller. Definitely some fantastic history and research potential in this musket!

Aside from the carving on the stock, it is a very nice service used example of a Model 1863 Type II Rifled Musket, which still has a very nice bore. It is dated 1864 on the lock plate tail, and also has a clear Federal Eagle stamped into the lock to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating production at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. It has suffered a good amount of oxidation and powder burn in the breech area, which has unfortunately obliterated the eagle stamping on the cap bolster, as well as all markings on the breech area and tang. We noted that it has the Type I three leaf rear sight, so it was probably made before stocks were used up.

The metalwork shows a nice aged dark patina in most areas, with some peppering but no major pit rust except around the cap nipple cone bolster. The cone itself shows significant oxidation, and is definitely well worn. We checked the lock action, and it still is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. However it definitely is a bit gummed up, as it fires quite slowly. The front sight on the barrel is present, as is the Type I rear sight, however it is currently rust frozen. In contrast to the exterior, the bore of the barrel is in very good condition, still showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. The edges of the lands are still crisp, though there is light overall past fouling and oxidation, so the rifle did see use, but was properly cleaned afterwards.

The stock is in very good condition, showing the expected wear and damage from having bene through a war. It shows a lovely dark red brown oiled patina, and there is no major structural damage, just lots of dents, dings, and scratches. Only the butt stock area near the butt plate shows a bit more advanced damage, as the rust stains from the butt plate make the wood brittle, so there is missing wood right next to the butt plate.

The rifle retains all three of the correct Type II spring retained bands, the upper two of which are still U marked, and both sling swivels are present and in good shape. The butt-plate is faintly stamped U.S. as per regulation, and the original tulip-head ramrod without an enlarged shank is present as well, with intact threads on the end.

A great example of a Model 1863 Type II Springfield Rifled Musket, captured by the 41st Tennessee Infantry during the war and carved as such. Really some great research potential here! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications (Musket):-

Year of Manufacture: 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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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.