September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Caliber is .58 bore, barrel length is 40". Colt, like many other firms during the Civil War, receive a contract to manufacture the Springfield U.S. model 1863 musket. They are virtually identical to those manufactured at the Springfield Armory with the exception of the lock that is stamped U.S. Colt's Pt F A Mfg Co. Hartford, Ct.. and dated 1864. The American eagle is stamped on the percussion lock. All metal surfaces are finished in the white. Three barrel bands, all stamped U for United States. Has the standard three leaf blued rear sight with post front, the original tulip ram rod, buttplate is stamped U.S. with proof P, top of stock has the inspector marks E.M.W. Left side of the walnut stock has two cartouches both in box. All cartouches on stock are as sharp as new. Breech of barrel is dated 1864 with VP Eagle head proof and also has the M.M.M. inspector mark. This rifle has survived in literally unused, unissued condition. There are a few freckles on barrel bands and some light minor areas of freckling and aging here and there but still retains 98% of the original polished "in the white" metal finish having never been cleaned or touched since rifle was manufactured. There is a bit of corrosion at the heal of the buttplate where rifle must have rested for years. The stock likewise is in near new condition with the exception of some slight grain separation of 1" on right side and a 3/4" of chipping on right side. The rear sight retains all of factory blue finish. Has a gem mint bore and perfect action. Comes with a reproduction single brass frog leather sling. It is nearly impossible to find a Colt 1863 musket in new condition and unfired. One can only wonder where this rifle had been stored for all of these years.