Lindsay Patent Model 1863 U.S. Double Rifle-Musket .58 Caliber, Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,675.06
LSB#: 240126LM001
Make: J. P. Lindsay
Model: 1863 U.S. Double Rifle-Musket
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1863-1864
Caliber: .58 Caliber
Action Type: Superposed (stacked) Charge Two-Shot Percussion Rifle-Musket
Barrel Length: 41”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a rectangular base (also serves as a bayonet lug) fixed to the barrel at the muzzle-end. The rear sight has two folding leaves, presenting a “V”-notch when folded down and each with a “V”-notch at the top of the leaf in a base fixed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece smooth wood with a nose cap, channel for ramrod (included), three barrel bands, two sling loops, and a metal butt plate. The left of the stock has two “ADK” cartouches. The stock has light handling wear with some scattered small nicks and scratches. There is a tiny loss in the top of the wrist at the rear edge of the top tang. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light nicks and scratches with infrequent spots of light oxidation and minor erosion. Overall, the stock is in Fine-plus condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore, mostly toward the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation, most around the front sight, with some surface erosion on the bottom tang around the trigger guard. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Patented by John Parker Lindsay in 1860, the Model 1863 U.S. Double Rifle Musket was a brilliant idea that tested well and saw some issues when, well, issued. The design centers on a pair of hammers and nipples with one flash-hole extending further forward than the other. Two superposed charges could be loaded into the gun with the front load fired first followed by the rear load. The design of the mechanism would always fire the front load first if both hammers were cocked, but the left hammer could be cocked on its own to fire the rear charge if it was the only one loaded. Thus, soldiers armed with this rifle-musket could get two volleys off in short succession, and could then fire at the same rate as soldiers armed with a standard musket. If there was a lull in the battle or if there was sufficient cover, the rifles could also be loaded with two charges for another quick double-volley.
The rifles tested well and 1,000 were procured by the Union Army. When they were actually issued during the Civil War there were some examples of both charges firing simultaneously as well as issues with the flash-hole for the front charge fouling quite quickly due to the second charge being fired behind it. Due to their limited production, and possibly due to the issues discovered in combat, these rifles are quite rare today. This example is in outstanding condition and will make a wonderful addition to a Civil War arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
