Description:

Rare U.S. Model 1861 rifle musket captured on the battlefield by the Confederacy and pressed into service after arsenal refurbishment, .58 caliber, barrel shortened to 33", 49" overall, dated "1862" and marked "U.S. Springfield" with an American eagle on the sideplate. The top of the breech end of the barrel is also dated "1862" and marked "7", with "V P" and an eagle's head the the left side. The top of the butt plate is marked "U.S". The left-hand side of the stock opposite the lockplate bears two U.S. Army inspector's cartouches. Most interestingly, the underside of the wrist is marked with the inspector's initial's "A.B.C."; these indicate that the weapon was refurbished in a Confederate arsenal. The metal components show an even straw-colored patina overall, while the wood furniture shows handling marks appropriate for long use. The barrel is secured to the forestock with tree barrel bands, each marked "U" and each secured with a leaf spring. The front barrel band covers a cut in the stock, showing that it has been shortened. The muzzle retains its front sight/bayonet lug, but a standard Model 1861 bayonet socket will not fit over the muzzle, further demonstrating that it has been shortened. These alterations would have been accomplished at a Confederate arsenal to repair damage to the muzzle end of the barrel present when the weapon was captured. An original ramrod is present, secured in a channel showing slight chips at the muzzle. The bore shows a brown patina throughout, with no visible pitting and with crisp rifling. The hammer is tight, and cocks and fires smartly. NRA grade good to very good, a rare example.

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February 18, 2019 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000