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 very nice Type II Model 1863 however escaped conversion, and is presented for sale in the original percussion configuration, having been fully restored by our antique gunsmiths. The rifle 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. The eagle stamping on the cap bolster is still mostly present, however powder burn and cleaning have removed the proofs from the barrel nocks form and the date from the tang. We also checked the left side of the stock, and the original stock cartouches are no longer visible.

The metalwork overall shows a lovely aged patina, showing evidence of past oxidation now cleaned away. The front sight on the barrel is present, and the rear sight is the correct two leaf type of the Type II, which is fully functional. We checked the lock, and it still is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The bore still shows clear three groove rifling, though it definitely shows some wear. There is some past pitting and fouling towards the muzzle areas, while farther towards the breech the rifling is in better condition.

The stock is in very nice condition, having been fully cleaned and re-oiled, displaying a dark brown color. It does look like there were some stress cracks around the wrist area, but no major splits or other damage. The gun retains all three of the correct Type II spring retained bands, all of which are still U marked, and both sling swivels are present and in great shape. The butt-plate is stamped U.S. as per regulation, and the original tulip-head ramrod with an enlarged shank is present as well. The end of the ramrod is however altered into what looks like a flathead screwdriver, and the threads are completely gone.

A lovely un-altered example of a Model 1863 Type II Springfield Rifled Musket, 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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