1861 Springfield

44caliberkid

July 14, 2013 17:16

I'm looking for a good, real, 1861 Springfield rifle musket. This one is up for auction.

http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=353021989

Seller has some good feedback but description and pics are wanting. (no pics of markings) Can someone tell me if this looks right. I don't mind about the stock repair as looks like it was done right by a pro.

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  rufe-snow

  July 14, 2013 17:57

  Replicas were made as early as the 1960's for the Civil War centennial. I wouldn't buy one without a hands on. If you don't have the required knowledge and background, to factually know it's completely authentic. It would be worth your while to have a experienced collector or dealer help you, even if you have to pay them.
  
  I certainly wouldn't buy one off a on-line auction without a absolute guarantee of it's authenticity, and that you could return it if on inspection it comes up wanting.

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  nmyers

  July 15, 2013 05:42

  Good advice from rufe-snow.
  
  The pics are too distant, too dark, & too fuzzy for me to be sure of anything. You'd think that a dealer selling high $ guns would learn how to take good photos, but.......
  
  I believe that the stock has not only been repaired, but has been sanded. And, the repairs do not look to me like the work of a pro.
  
  Neal

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  Spider7115

  July 15, 2013 06:30

  quote:Originally posted by nmyers
  Good advice from rufe-snow.
  
  The pics are too distant, too dark, & too fuzzy for me to be sure of anything. You'd think that a dealer selling high $ guns would learn how to take good photos, but.......
  
  I believe that the stock has not only been repaired, but has been sanded. And, the repairs do not look to me like the work of a pro.
  
  Neal
  
  Yep, it's been sanded which means rounded corners and no inspector cartouches. Also, you don't know if the barrel date is visible or matches the lock.
  
  This one is a much better deal: http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=354098267
  
  - Contract rifles are rarer and more collectible than standard armory issues
  - No stock cracks or repairs
  - Inspector's cartouche
  - Barrel proof marks and date visible and matching to lock
  - Good rifling and screw heads
  - Includes original bayonet
  
  I'd probably even shoot that one but that's just me. [;)]

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  gartman

  July 15, 2013 07:58

  Have to disagree that contractor muskets are worth more than Springfields. They were made in far fewer numbers but most of the really nice Springfields were turned into trapdoors. This plus the Springfield name has kept the values every bit as high as the contracts and often even higher. If a musket is listed as original it most likely is, and certainly if the seller has a number of good feedbacks. The wood on the repos is usually quite obviously not the walnut used on originals. Have patience and keep looking, think you can find a fine musket in this price range.

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