I thought at first I’d stay out of this but I’m interested in the musket because I also have a Norwich 1861 contract rifle musket. I don’t want to offend anyone but I see some problems that I believe the OP has an obligation to explain.
At first glance it appears to me that the lock and perhaps also the barrel have been “cleaned” with a wire brush. However, that doesn’t necessarily require an explanation (caveat emptor). The photos aren’t clear enough on my phone but the stock looks very new to me compared to the lock and barrel. My impression overall is that this gun has been pieced together, and perhaps the OP (a “Pilgrim” on this forum) either does not know or chose not to point out flaws. Again, caveat emptor.
What does give me pause is the OP’s statement that, “barrel band springs are good” when there clearly are no barrel band springs. I’m not accusing the OP of being deceptive but as I wrote above, I believe that an explanation is in order.
FWIW, both my Norwich and one being offered right now by another forum member have barrel bands with springs not screws. I don’t know enough about contract muskets to say if there were none made by Norwich with screws only like the one offered in this listing. Anyone know for sure??
