CONFEDERATE RE-ARSENALED 1855 RIFLE-MUSKET

CONFEDERATE RE-ARSENALED 1855 RIFLE-MUSKET

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$11,500.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1268-075

This crisp condition US Model 1855 rifle-musket is mostly an assemblage of components made originally at the National Armory at Springfield, Massachusetts or Harper's Ferry, Virginia.

The black walnut stock has its original oil finish, and the iron 2-piece patch box is nicely inlaid. There are no cracks or major abrasions Just above the patch box one can see faintly "Co. D". One Springfield inspector's cartouche is visible, and it is light with the letters “JS” for James Symington. The absence of the second cartouche, the expected script "ESA" cartouche of Erskin S Allin the Master Armorer at Springfield Armory, is explained by the fact this stock was on a weapon just prior to the Civil War that was sent to a state under the provisions of the Militia Act of 1808. The original 40” long rifle barrel has no “VP” and no “eagle” proof marks and the flat part of breech bears no date. All barrel edges around breech are very sharp with a nice plum brown patina with no pitting and no suggestion at all that these marks were age or service worn off.

Interestingly the barrel was blued at the time of the Southern re-working and 90% of this heat blue treatment remains intact under the barrel. All three of the barrel bands are present with the correct serif “U” on the right side lined up perfectly with the band retaining springs.  The fore end cap is iron and secured by an interior screw. The Confederate made ramrod has a solid tulip shaped head while retaining the swell that secures it firmly. It is threaded and very crudely wrought. This unique type of ramrod has been identified on both 1861 and 1862 dated Richmond made rifle-muskets. Its patina matches the balance of iron components on the rifle-musket well. The butt plate shows no evidence of having been stamped "US". The lock plate with beveled edges is marked “1860” horizontally to the rear of the hammer. The original Maynard tape primer assembly door etc. are present. All parts are in perfect condition, but an attempt has been made to scrub the Shield of Columbia from the eagle's breast. The stamping "US" over "Springfield" or "Harper's Ferry" has been purposely and professionally ground out.

The rear sight is the so-called Model 1861, but it has always been on this weapon this is clear when we removed the sight. There is a "T" cut for the "steady pin" under this sight, but the sight has no teat and is held firmly by friction and its dedicated screw. Both sling swivels are intact, but the front one is broken but secure and in place. The gun has a smooth bore and is now about .62 caliber. There are two explanations for this 1) The weapon was carried home by the soldier who desired to continue using it as a shotgun. But in this case one generally finds that the rear sight and sling swivels were removed and the weapon worn out from years of service on the farm. 2) As a captured weapon the gun was smooth bored intentionally for commercial sale, either domestic or foreign; thousands were done this way. The look of this rifle-musket is beautiful. The surfaces are excellent. The weapon came out of North Carolina decades ago.  [sr][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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