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VERY RARE, M1861 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE MUSKET DATED 1861, WITH SLING

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This is a first-year-of-production example the standard rifle musket of the Civil War, the Model 1861 Springfield, actually made at that armory. With production starting at Springfield in July 1861, the pattern eliminated the Maynard tape priming system and the buttstock patch box, and used a new rear sight. With the need for arms pressing, Springfield increased its work force, machinery, and started night shifts, managing to turn out some 33,000 of these new rifle-muskets by the end of 1861.

All gunmetal has matching pewter/gray color and a similar lightly pitted surface condition with the exception of the case-hardened lock and hammer, which are cleaner and free of pitting.

The 40” long round barrel is generally smooth with light pitting starting below the lower barrel band and gradually increasing to heavier pitting around the breech area. “_861” date stamp visible on top of breech amid the pitting. The “VP” and eagle head on the left facet is visible. Bolster shows some surface pitting with original nipple in place. Original sights on the barrel; flip-up rear sight and combination bayonet lug/blade sight at muzzle. Bore is dirty but strong rifling is visible.

The lock plate is stamped with the date of manufacture (1861) behind the hammer. An eagle over “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” are stamped in front of the hammer. All stamping on the lock plate is strong. The distinctive “C” shaped hammer has the same smooth patina as the rest of the lock plate.

Mechanics remain crisp and strong. Bore is dark with scattered patches of pitting; good rifling. This version of the rifle musket was produced with barrel band springs. A heavily modified ramrod is with the musket. The butt plate is stamped “US” and also a large “G”.

Black walnut stock has very nice color and finish with very few of the usual small dings and scratches normally found on weapons of this age.  Faint government inspector cartouche remains on left flat.

An original leather shoulder sling comes on the rifle. Leather is well worn leaving it smooth and supple. Much of the surface finish is worn. The sling features a tooled edge and is stamped “RIDABOCK & Co. / Successors to / McKINNEY / NEW YORK”.  Ridabock & Company was a New York-based manufacturer and dealer of military goods, particularly uniforms and equipment. The company evolved in 1847, taking over from J. H. McKenney (Baker & McKenney).

This is a very fine example of a typical Civil War weapon produced during the first year of the war.   [jet][ph:L]

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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