1868 springfield

[Gamechaser]

I believe I have an early Us Springfield before they converted them to trap door

 

[Gamechaser]

Not too familiar with this rifle so any information would be greatly appreciated

 

[64Springer]

Pics?

 

[rmark]

IIRC, the 1863/64 Springfields were used in the early post civil war conversions.

 

[Gamechaser]

 

[64Springer]

Looks like a '63 lock plate with a '61 hammer, '61 barrel and '61 stock.

The plate screws are too short. They should be close to flush with the plate.

Nice original condition.

 

[Gamechaser]

Is that normal to have mismatched parts

 

[Phil Coffins]

It’s a model 1861 made in 1863 that’s why the lock is dated 1863. The lock screws may just be loose and if so just tighten them to bring them up flush. It’s not miss matched.

 

[64Springer]

Is that normal to have mismatched parts

A lot has happened with those rifles in 155 years. I would say mismatched parts is normal to a point. As in locks being rebuilt.

The lock plate looks like the newest addition. It is less rusty than the other parts. Or it was cleaned of its rust.

 

[Gamechaser]

I haven't cleaned it yet, I'll tear it down and see what is up with the screws

 

[64Springer]

I haven't cleaned it yet, I'll tear it down and see what is up with the screws

Good call. Rub it down with Ballistol. No abrasive "Restoring" of any kind.

Beautiful old rifle.

 

[Gamechaser]

Everything seems to be in really good shape. No pitting of any kind, and the stock is in really good shape

 

[Gamechaser]

I was going to leave it all original, patina and all

 

[64Springer]

Grab a magnifying glass and see if you can read the acceptance cartouche on the left stock panel.

Should be three letters in heavy/curly script inside a box.

The letters will be the initials of the factory inspector.

 

[Trot]

Looks like a nice honest 1861. Check for the barrel date on top just ahead of the tang. Not always visible, but if the barrel and lock dates match it's a good sign that it may not have been tampered with too much.

 

[Gamechaser]

I can see the Box on the left side of the stock but I cannot read what it says. There is a u m or GM stamped on the side of the barrel. I cannot see a date on top though

 

[hawkeye2]

It is an 1861 pattern rifle musket manufactured in1863 under contract by Bridesburg. From what I can see by the 2 photos everything looks original. The seemingly empty screw hole near the top and partially covered by the hammer is for the rear lock screw which as Phil Coffins says may not be screwed in all the way. The 2 lock screws are of different lengths with the top one being shorter so as to not touch the hammer. The empty screw hole near the bottom of the plate held the sear and also the lower end of the bridle. The hole above it is for the sear spring screw which doesn't seem to be screwed in full length.

 

[Gamechaser]

It took quite a bit of work to get the lock off, both screws are in all the way.

 

[hawkeye2]

The barrel date is stamped on the top flat of the barrel not far ahead of the nipple. There should be a V over a P over an eagle on the left flat of the barrel.

 

[Gamechaser]

I found the V over the p on the left Barrel flat but I cannot find the date