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 1863 however escaped conversion, and is still mostly in the original Civil War era configuration. It was however at some point shortened by 10 inches, and now only has two barrel bands instead of the original three. These short muskets were intended for use by pioneer and artillery troops, where a shorter weapon was much easier to work with. Not designed to fit a bayonet, a brass sight was added to the muzzle, and a three leaf rear sight added.

The musket is dated 1864 on the lock plate tail, and also has an Eagle stamped into the lock to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating production at Springfield Armory, in Springfield Massachusetts. The lock markings are fully legible, and there is not any serious oxidation or powder burn present, just a lovely gray patina. It still holds properly at half cock, firing at full cock. The cap bolster still bears traces of the original Eagle stamping, however it is almost completely worn away& due to cleaning and powder burn.

The left side of the barrel nocks form still has the original V / P / Eagle's Head arsenal proofs, however the date and other markings are now work away. The bore still shows three groove rifling, with overall fouling and oxidation, indicating that this musket did see significant use in service.

The one piece walnut stock still is in very good condition, with a lovely polished glow. There are some dents and dings, but nothing out of line with the usual wear from service. The area near the hammer is eroded somewhat due to powder burn. This gun is fitted with the correct Type II solid bands retained by springs. The butt-plate is stamped U.S. as per regulation, and all barrel bands are U stamped. The ramrod looks to be an arsenal replacement, and both sling swivels are present.

A very nice example, offered in nice condition recently acquired from an old collection, shows a bit of age but very presentable in any U.S. Civil War collection. Ready to display!

Specifications (Musket):-

Year of Manufacture: 1864
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Minié Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 46 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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