Clint Smith U.S. Springfield Model 1861 Percussion Rifle Musket .58 Cal
SOLD FOR: $1,075.00
LSB#: LSB260703CS026
Make: Springfield
Model: 1861 Rifle Musket
Serial#: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1864
Caliber: .58
Action Type: Single shot, muzzleloading, percussion rifle
Markings: The lock plate is marked “US Springfield, 1864” and the Great Seal. The barrel is marked with the VP proofs. The buttplate is marked “US”. The barrel bands are all marked “U”.
Barrel Length: 40″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a barley corn blade soldered to the barrel that doubles as a bayonet lug. The rear sight has been removed. There is a fixed U notch that has been dovetailed into the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one piece smooth walnut, capped forend, three barrel bands, straight grip, straight comb, and smooth steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has had some sanding and refinishing done. There is moderate handling and use wear. There is some minor cracking around the lock, upper tang, and along the barrel channel. There are a few smaller chips scattered throughout. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Arsenal Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is faint. There is erosion and pitting throughout, pitting depth minor. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. The majority of the metal has worn to a brown patina with light corrosion staining. There is some pitting near the breech end. There is tool marking on the barrel bands. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are legible. Overall this rifle is in Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The rifle is in functional condition. The hammer holds full and half cock. The nipple is free. The firing channel is clear. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Bayonet (fit over the front sight is tight). Box of shooting supplies. Signed ownership letter from Clint Smith.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Springfield Model 1861 Rifle Musket is the quintessential American infantry arm of the Civil War, chambered in .58 caliber and built with a 40″ barrel, percussion ignition, and three-band military stock. This circa 1864 Springfield Armory example retains its military configuration with U-marked barrel bands, Springfield-marked lockplate, and VP barrel proofs, though the original rear sight has been replaced by a dovetailed fixed U-notch sight. Included with the rifle are a bayonet, a box of shooting supplies, and a signed ownership letter from noted firearms instructor Clint Smith, adding modern provenance to this historic military arm.
Adopted in 1861, the Springfield Model 1861 became the primary shoulder arm of Union forces during the American Civil War, with more than one million produced by Springfield Armory and government contractors. Its percussion ignition, rifled barrel, and compatibility with the devastating Minié ball gave Union infantry a significant increase in effective range and accuracy over earlier smoothbore muskets. Even after the Civil War, many Model 1861 muskets remained in militia service or were converted into later breechloading arms, making surviving examples an important part of American military history.
This rifle remains in Good antique condition, with the metal worn to a brown patina showing light corrosion staining and localized pitting near the breech. The refinished walnut stock exhibits honest service wear, minor cracks around the lock, tang, and barrel channel, along with a few small chips, while the bore is gray with faint rifling and light pitting, earning a 6/10 rating. Mechanically, the rifle functions correctly, and the included bayonet, shooting supplies, and signed Clint Smith ownership letter enhance its overall collector appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF