Springfield U.S. Model 1861 Civil War .58 Cal Rifled Musket 40″ Percussion
SOLD FOR: $1,825.00
LSB#: LSB251205WO007
Make: Springfield
Model: 1861 Rifle Musket
Serial#: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Circa Early 1860s
Caliber: .58 Caliber
Action Type: Percussion, Muzzle Loading, Black Powder
Markings: The lock plate is marked “US Springfield” “1863”. The top of the barrel is marked “1860” The left side of the barrel has US proofmarks.
Barrel Length: 40″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a rectangular block at the muzzle. The rear sight is a multi position folding leaf sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one piece walnut with lock plate, straight grip, straight comb, metal buttplate, three barrel bands with springs, the bands are replacements, sling ring in the bottom of the middle band, nose cap, cutout for the included ramrod, sling ring in the front of the trigger guard. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are scratches, compression dents, and other handling wear typical of a Civil War rifle. There are numerous chips along the barrel and ramrod channels. There is a patch of chemical finish loss along the comb. There are cracks in front of the lock plate and along ramrod channel. The stock rates in Good condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is defined. There is minor pitting and wear throughout. There is dirt and fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10 for an antique.
Overall Condition: The barrel and other metal parts are worn to patina with corrosion staining throughout. There are scratches and nicks typical of a Civil War era relic. Overall this rifle is in Good condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The hammer locks. The trigger is crisp. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This rifle comes with its installed ram rod
Our Assessment: The U.S. Springfield Model 1861 Rifle Musket stands as the definitive infantry arm of the American Civil War, produced at the national armory in Springfield, Massachusetts and at numerous contractors to meet the demands of a nation at war. Marked “US Springfield” and dated 1863 on the lock, with an 1860 dated barrel and U.S. proofmarks, this example reflects the wartime production realities of interchangeable parts and arsenal assembly. Its 40 inch barrel, three band configuration, and long straight walnut stock immediately evoke the silhouette carried by Union soldiers from Antietam through Appomattox. The metal has aged to a natural patina with scattered corrosion staining and service wear consistent with a 160 year old martial arm, presenting overall in Good condition for an antique.
Chambered in .58 caliber and designed for the Minié ball, the Model 1861 represented a major advancement in military small arms technology. The rifled barrel dramatically increased effective range and accuracy compared to earlier smoothbore muskets, fundamentally shaping Civil War battlefield tactics. The bore on this rifle is dark with defined rifling, showing minor pitting, dirt, and fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10 for an antique, retaining visible rifling while reflecting honest age and use.
The one piece walnut stock shows scratches, compression dents, and numerous chips along the barrel and ramrod channels typical of a Civil War era service rifle. There is a patch of chemical finish loss along the comb and cracks noted in front of the lock plate and along the ramrod channel. The barrel bands are replacements, and the rifle retains its ramrod. Mechanically, the hammer locks securely, the trigger is crisp, and the action functions correctly. This Springfield Model 1861 remains a representative Civil War musket that carries the unmistakable presence of a rifle built during America’s defining conflict. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF