The rifle has a 40” round barrel of .58 caliber with a semi-bright surface that shows very light mottling and only small amounts of pitting at the breech. Front sight is the usual blade sight while at rear is the long range sight with large flip up leaf. The left flat of the barrel bears the “VP” and eagle head inspection marks while the top of the barrel at the breech is strongly stamped “1858.” Bore has excellent rifling and some light surface dirt and is otherwise very clean.

Beveled lockplate is fitted with a C-shaped hammer and the Maynard tape priming system which still operates.  System employed a waterproof paper tape of percussion caps inserted into the primer magazine that set a cap on to the nipple when the hammer was cocked. The hammer has a knife-edge lip that severed the expended portion of the tape when the trigger was pulled. Lockplate stampings are crisp and show the large spreadwinged eagle on the front of the hinged Maynard tape primer door with the date “1858” stamped behind the hammer. Forward of the hammer is “US” over “SPRINGFIELD.”  Lock surface exhibits a mottled gray appearance. Action works well.

The walnut stock surface looks to have been cleaned. Stock has a closed crack running from the back of the lockplate around to the top of the wrist and to the base of the comb where it stops. Stock also exhibits a number of light scratches and scuff marks overall along with minor dings and nicks. There are no government cartouches visible.  Right side of butt exhibits some attempts at carving. One looks like the letter “P” and another looks like an attempted star. There is no patchbox and the nose cap is of brass.

Steel tulip-shaped ramrod is original and wears the same finish as the rest of the weapon. Threaded tip is present. All barrel bands are original and secured to the stock via flat iron springs. All exhibit the “U” stamping. Both sling swivels are present. Buttplate has strong “US” on tang.  [ad]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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