Original Excellent U.S. Civil War Springfield M-1863 Type I Massachusetts Contract Rifled Musket by Norris & Clement with Bayonet – dated 1864 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Springfield Model 1863 rifled musket is a .58 caliber rifled musket produced by the Springfield Armory between 1863 and 1865. The Model 1863 was a minor improvement over the Springfield Model 1861. As such, it is sometimes classified as just a variant of the Model 1861. The Model 1861, with all of its variants, was the most commonly used longarm in the American Civil War, with over 700,000 manufactured. The Model 1863 also has the distinction of being the last muzzle-loading longarm produced by the Springfield Armory.

The Model 1863 was produced in two variants. The Type I eliminated the band springs and replaced the flat barrel bands with oval clamping bands. It also featured a new ramrod, a case-hardened lock, a new hammer, and a redesigned bolster (percussion chamber). Several of these modifications were based upon Colt’s contract model 1861, known as the “Colt special”. 273,265 Type I variants were manufactured in 1863.

The Type II is sometimes referred to as the Model 1864, but is more commonly referred to as just a variant of the Model 1863. This version re-introduced band springs, replaced the clamping bands with solid oval bands, and replaced the three leaf rear sight with single leaf sight. A total of 255,040 of these were manufactured from 1864 to 1865.

Most of the Model 1863 Rifled Muskets were made by Springfield Armory, which by 1863 had ramped up production to the point that it did not need as many contractors. Also, many of the Model 1861 contractors continued making that model throughout the war, so they would not need to update their tooling. However there were several contractors that did produce the Model 1863, which were often ordered directly by the states, and not the Federal Government.

By the end of the Civil War, muzzle-loading rifles and muskets were considered obsolete. In the years following the Civil War, many Model 1863 muskets were converted into breech-loading “Trapdoor Springfields”. The breech-loading weapons increased the rate of fire from 3 to 4 rounds per minute to 8 to 10 rounds per minute. The Model 1863 could be converted to breech-loading for about $5, at a time when a new rifle would cost about $20. The conversion of Model 1863 rifles therefore represented a significant cost savings to the U.S. military.

This type I 1863 however escaped conversion, and is presented for sale in the original Civil War era configuration, complete with an original bayonet. It is however one of those Model 1863s ordered directly by a state, in this case Massachusetts. They had these rifled muskets produced under contract by Samuel Norris and W.T. Clement of Springfield, Massachusetts. The company delivered only 2,000 pieces in 1863 and 1,000 in 1864, making it one of the rarer Union Army Contract Muskets.

The lock has the correct beveled “S” shaped hammer, and it is dated 1864 on the lock plate tail, with a Federal Eagle over U.S. stamped under the hammer. To the right of this is the Mass. contract marking:

S.N. & W.T.C.
FOR
MASSACHUSETTS

The markings on the lock plate are still crisp and clear, as there is just a bit of powder burn speckling towards the top, above where the markings are. The cap bolster eagle marking is still visible, though a bit faint due to powder burn and cleaning. The barrel nocks form has seen only light wear and cleaning, so the the V / P / Eagle’s Head marking on the left barrel facet is fully legible. The barrel date of 1864 is still crisp, and the L.F.R. inspection mark on the left side of the barrel is fully visible, for inspector Lafayette F. Rogers. The top of the barrel is stamped with rack number 91.

The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and releasing at full, with no issues to note. We checked the bore, and the original three groove rifling is still strong, and the machining marks in the grooves are visible, so the rifle did not see extensive use in service. The lands show only light wear, and there is just a bit of oxidation visible. Really a great bore for a Civil War muzzleloader!

The gun still has the original 100 / 300/ 500 yard three leaf sight, which is intact and fully functional, though it is currently stiff due to dried grease. The “barleycorn” front sight is still attached firmly at the front of the barrel, showing light wear on the sides. The butt-plate is stamped U.S. as per regulation, and all barrel bands are U stamped. Both sling swivels are still present, and the hardware is solid. The ramrod is the tulip type without an enlarged shank, correct for the model 1863.

The one piece walnut stock still is in excellent condition, with a beautiful red brown color and no major damage. Aside from some chips missing near the right side nose cap and a bit of wood filler near the lower barrel band on the left side, there is really nothing to note. It has a lovely polished glow, and will look fantastic in any setting.

The included bayonet is very nice, and has a lovely polished steel patina, as seen on most of the metalwork on the rifle. It locks onto the front of the musket well, with a functional locking ring. There are some inspection proof marks visible on the side of the socket.

A magnificent example of a rare U.S. Civil War Union Contract Rifle, one of only 1000 produced for the state of Massachusetts in 1864, complete with an original bayonet. This would find a welcome home in any U.S. Civil War collection. Fully cleaned and ready for display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1864
Caliber: .58″
Cartridge Type: Minié Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 18″
Blade Style: Triangular
Socket Length: 3″
Overall length: 21″

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.