November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Springfield Armory began production of the 1863 rifle musket in April 1863. Although initially, metal parts were finished in the bright, heat bluing of the following parts was introduced during production: barrel bands, screws, sling swivels, and trigger guard assembly. These were produced in 1862-1864. These were often referred to as the Gettysburg Model, as 55,064 were manufactured prior to July of 1863. The Locks were color case-hardened. Rifles were standard with three barrel bands, all marked with "U" on right side, steel ramrod, steel forend cap, one piece dark walnut stock with smooth steel buttplate, blade front sight, single leaf folding rear military sight. Top of barrel is dated 1863. Left side of barrel has the "VP" eagle proof. Lock is dated 1863 with eagle and stamped "U.S. SPRINGFIELD". Eagle on bolster. Trigger guard has sling swivel, as does middle band. Right side of the stock has a beautiful stamp with eagle and shield, stamped "WHITNEY ARMS CO.". Left side of stock has two perfect "ESA" cartouches (Erskine S. Allin). Eli Whitney Jr. purchased several thousand Springfield Model 1863 rifle muskets immediately following the Civil War. He blued all the metal components that had original been finished bright, locks and hammers retain their original case colored finish, and "WHITNEY ARMS CO." was stamped into the right side of the buttstock. 6,943 such rifles were sold in 1867. The barrel retains 95% of this blued finish, starting to blend with patina. Barrel bands have 75% original blue. Case colors have darkened. Trigger guard is a nice mix of blue-brown patina. Walnut stock is near mint with a few usual dings and perfect cartouche. Buttplate is brown patina mixed with original blue. Perfect action. Strong rifled bore. Comes with an original U.S. bayonet and leather frog. Leather is rather dried out. One would be hard-pressed to find a finer example of a 1863 Whitney Springfield.
Caliber/Bore
.58 Percussion