A Model 1864 Springfield, aka Model 1863 type II .58 caliber rifled musket. Approximately 250000 of these were produced between 1864 and 1865. It was the last muzzle loading military rifle produced for military use by the Springfield armory. The type II saw the return of the spring retained barrel bands. The rear sight was also changed from the two leaf to the single leaf sight. The black walnut stock retains it's original finish and has no cracks, just a few dings and scratches. Nothing major, just mentioned for accuracy. There are two cartouches on the left flat of the stock opposite the lock plate. The bottom one is oval and contains the magical letters ESA, for Erskine S Allin. The one above his is to faint for me to read, but the letters are enclosed in an oval. All metal hardware on this one with the exception of the butt plate are finished in "National Armory Bright". The barrel has no proof marks or date showing. The metal is pitted at the breech, scattered along the length of the barrel and more so once again at the muzzle. The bore is still strong, with good rifling and very little pitting. The tulip straight shank ramrod is still present. The lock plate is stamped US SPRINGFIELD with and Eagle to the left and 1864 on a slant behind the type II hammer. The improved bolster without the clean out screw is also embossed with a small Eagle. The rear sight on this particular weapon is still the type I two leaf design. The barrel bands are retained by springs and all three are stamped with a small u. The butt plate tang is stamped with US and has taken on a mottled gray patina. Here is an opportunity to own a solid late war gun that won't break the bank.

Item # AA708

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