Original 1861 Springfield rifle

chem · 07-04-2013 03:03PM #1

I have been offered for sale, an original 1861 dated springfield US rifle. Condition is fare, some pitting but still in OK condition (no rust). All or most of the stamps are on it etc.

My question is, whats the price range on these? 1st year of the US civil war and I'm told they are rare. Also its cap and ball, so do you need to get it licensed here?

I will try get some pics up later. Asking price is €450 is that good/bad

juice1304 · 07-04-2013 03:38PM

You don't need a licence but you do need a letter form your local super to say it is ok to have it in your possession and if it is coming from another country it will need an import licence. If you don't want it i do.:D:D:pac:

chem · 07-04-2013 04:01PM

Thanks Juice! What do you think of the price? done some looking on the net and found this! http://www.horsesoldier.com/products/firearms/longarms/9010

Is this to good to be true??

Do I really need permission? Its an antique!!

EWQuinn · 08-04-2013 01:37AM

That could be a decent price, but not sure of the market for these in Europe. Can you post any pics? Has it been refinished? Condition of the bore. Function of the lock ok? 1861 dated, first year of war would be a little more value than others. Assume its a Springfield and not a contract musket right?

extremetaz · 08-04-2013 09:50AM

That sounds awesome - count me 3rd in line after Juice. :P

chem · 08-04-2013 09:21PM

Hi had a good look at the rifle. Alot of the fine detail is pitted away. Springfield made not contract. This rifle has the look of one hung up after the war and never touched again!!!

Dust in the barrell, groves in the barrel just about visable. All original (no new screws etc) nipple was never even replaced!! Not flattened either.

Took out the ram rod, put it down the barrell, took it out and held it along the barrell...........I think its still loaded:eek::o

Wood it well dinged and has dried out over the years, but notting too bad.

Its amazing to see how clean it once was. When you move the barrell rings its as new!

Will figure out how to put up pics soon!

Grizzly 45 · 08-04-2013 10:35PM

chem wrote: »

r

Took out the ram rod, put it down the barrell, took it out and held it along the barrell...........I think its still loaded:eek::o

Has been known to happen. WD40 or 3 in 1 oil is or any pressurised spray oil your friend in this case.;)
You need to force some oil into the nipple,as much as possible is best.It will wet and inert the powder charge.:cool:

meathstevie · 08-04-2013 10:45PM

Hope you have a long corkscrew

EWQuinn · 09-04-2013 03:26AM

http://www.cva.com/CVA-Product-View.php?id=171

A ball puller of the correct type should do it after you loosen the load with an appropriate solvent.

sfakiaman · 09-04-2013 03:17PM

chem wrote: »

Took out the ram rod, put it down the barrell, took it out and held it along the barrell...........I think its still loaded:eek::o

I once read of an old civil war musket recovered from a major battle site that had (I think) nine loads in it. The poor sod must have been terrified and just kept loading but not priming!

chem · 09-04-2013 06:41PM

IMG00110-20130409-1815_zpsb08dde67.jpg.html?&_suid=1365529195880023390055730891446

chem · 09-04-2013 06:50PM

Some pics of the rifle! Sorry I'm not great with a camera! But you will get an idea of the condition she is in.

juice1304 · 09-04-2013 07:02PM

Wow that is lovely if you ever want to part with it give me a shout.:cool::)

chem · 09-04-2013 07:16PM

I would be greatful if anyone could tell me more on this rifle :-) Or point me to links!

EWQuinn · 10-04-2013 01:25PM

http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=153

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_Model_1861

A couple of decent links to start. Mass production by the Union was a key to victory and this rifle and the Springfield Armory was part of that, setting the stage for the Armory's role supplemented by American production capability in future conflicts.

Shooting Forum - Firearms licencing information

Original 1861 Springfield rifle

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