U.S. Springfield Type II Model 1863 Rifled Musket

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U.S. Springfield Type II Model 1863 Rifled Musket – The Type II M1863 musket was the U.S. Army’s last muzzle loading rifle produced. Something over 250,000 of these Type II rifles were manufactured at the Springfield Armory; these rifles would see extensive action during the last year of the Civil War. Although nearly identical in appearance to the Type I M1863 Springfields, the Type II rifles evidence a return to the use of barrel band springs, rather than retain the Type I use of screws to tighten the bands around the rifles’ barrels; for this reason, the barrel bands were solid, as opposed to the Type I split barrel bands. The sights of the Type I rifles were two-leaf in structure, while the Type II rifles had single-leaf sights. In addition, some of the parts that had been blued on the Type I rifles were made without such a finish on the Type IIs.

This Type II M1863 Springfield (sometimes referred to as the M1864) remains in very good condition. The firing mechanism functions well; the oiled walnut stock is in very good condition. The metal elements exhibit a so-called “plum gray” appearance, with no oxidation evident. The bore is clean and exhibits substantial rifling remaining. The sight is actually a two leaf sight, perhaps indicating use of leftover, Type I parts. The lock plate is stamped with an eagle and “Springfield” to the front of the hammer; behind the hammer is stamped the date “1864”; the eagle on the nipple bolster is clearly delineated. On the top of the barrel breech, is stamped the date “1864”, an eagle and “VP”, as well as the regimental issuing stampings – “D” “18”; the butt plate tang is stamped “US”; on the left side of the flat of the stock, opposite the lock plate, is the deeply stamped inspector’s cartouche; on the left side of the barrel, at the breech area, are the letters “NJ” indicative of the issuing of this rifle to New Jersey troops. The original, period ramrod is in place beneath the barrel. Attached to the sling swivels is an original, Civil War issue, leather, rifle sling. This rifle is an excellent example of one of the Union infantry’s essential firearms during the last year of the Civil War.