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 lovely patinated Type I 1863 however escaped conversion, and is presented for sale in the original percussion configuration, however it definitely has been modified somewhat, apparently into a fowling piece. The rear sight was removed, and the barrel was bored out to about 0.63", and 18 bore. It also, amazingly, looks to have a bulge in the barrel just below the upper barrel band. There is a ring inside the barrel, so something definitely got stuck in there, but is now removed. We are not sure which is more amazing: that someone bulged a muzzle loader, or that someone was able to clean it out afterwards!

The rifle is dated 1863 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. There has been powder burn and cleaning around the breech area, which has removed the original date on the barrel, and the eagle stamping on the cap bolster is also pretty much gone, with only traces visible, with other markings worn away. There is also a good amount of physical wear on the right side of the barrel tang, which has pushed it a bit to the left, bending the tang screw and cracking the stock on the left. This is definitely a gun that has some interesting stories to tell!

The metalwork overall shows a peppery oxidized patina, showing long exposure light moisture, which is present overall. In place of the leaf sight on the rear, a small groove was added to the top of the lower barrel band. The stock shows a lovely patina, with cracks and other damage consistent with long use. There are no stock cartouches present, expected due to the amount of cleaning and use it must have seen.

The gun retains all three of the correct Type I screw retained bands, all of which are still faintly U marked, though the upper sling swivel has broken off. The butt-plate is stamped U.S. as per regulation, however the lower sling swivel is missing as well, and there is no ramrod present. Amazingly, the lock still functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.

A very nice well-patinated example, which like many Civil War arms looks to have seen extensive use afterwards, most likely on the frontier. Ready to hang on the wall and display!

Specifications (Musket):-

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .63"
Cartridge Type: Ball / Shot 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.