I recently purchased a US model 1861 rifled musket. The gun is in pretty pristine condition which causes me to wonder if it is possibly a reproduction. Is there a good source for information on reproductions? All acceptance marks seem correct. The cartouches on the stock are very faint but essentially correct.
Reproductions
- Thread starter cie
- Start date
Reproductions are usually marked pretty clearly that they are indeed "repros". Proof marks, if period and from the country of manufacture should tell the tale. Sometimes the rear of the lock plate has some marks and inspectors stamps. PHOTOS........would help!!! Dave
It is not unusual for repros to be "defarbed" - reworked to make them look as much as possible like an original.
Detailed examination, including disassembly would help. Also consider the rifling characteristics. Not many repros duplicate the original rifling.
Detailed examination, including disassembly would help. Also consider the rifling characteristics. Not many repros duplicate the original rifling.
The hammer suggests M1863, not M1861.
Bands suggest M1863, Type I.
Markings certainly do not look like what you would find on a repro.
In 1865, Type II should have been the pattern of M1863 in standard production, but whether all contractors followed Springfield, I don't know.
Better research Remington contracting.
An original would have been finished in the white.
I think you have a very nice original there, based on your photos. If it is modern, someone went to a great deal of effort to make a fake.
You need to do some careful research, but I think you have a good one.
Bands suggest M1863, Type I.
Markings certainly do not look like what you would find on a repro.
In 1865, Type II should have been the pattern of M1863 in standard production, but whether all contractors followed Springfield, I don't know.
Better research Remington contracting.
An original would have been finished in the white.
I think you have a very nice original there, based on your photos. If it is modern, someone went to a great deal of effort to make a fake.
You need to do some careful research, but I think you have a good one.
Looks like your good to go.
All correct.
All defarbs that I have seen still have the original manufacturers name on the bottom of the barrel. That said. I'm sure that some don't do this practice.
Try these guys out
http://www.n-ssa.org/phpBB3/index.php
http://www.horsesoldier.com/
All correct.
All defarbs that I have seen still have the original manufacturers name on the bottom of the barrel. That said. I'm sure that some don't do this practice.
Try these guys out
http://www.n-ssa.org/phpBB3/index.php
http://www.horsesoldier.com/
- Location
- Algoma region
Just a beautiful rifle musket
Treat her right, in this condition if you maintain her she will last forever!
Treat her right, in this condition if you maintain her she will last forever!
- Location
- West coast of Vancouver Island
She is a beaut, looks like an original to me. Post some photos on The Authentic Campaigner Website. I am sure someone could give you a definitive answer.
"...perhaps it was overcleaned at some point...would have been finished in the white..." A vintage musket would have a patina after 145 years. It should look like the metal in the letter stamps on the barrel.
Some bonehead removed the patina and its collector value with it. I'm guessing the longitudinal scratches on the barrel came from sandpaper. Stock has been cleaned too. That's not such a big deal.
Some bonehead removed the patina and its collector value with it. I'm guessing the longitudinal scratches on the barrel came from sandpaper. Stock has been cleaned too. That's not such a big deal.
dallas25305
New member
- Location
- Melbourne Ontario
You have a good one you can even see the U.S. inspectors initials. There is a website
that can tell you their names. I think it is called proof house. V on the barrel means viewed and P means passed. The GM below is the man who inspected .
that can tell you their names. I think it is called proof house. V on the barrel means viewed and P means passed. The GM below is the man who inspected .
That's original, definitely, though it's either been very well maintained (as in someone regularly oiling it for the last 140 years or storing it in a climate controlled room - in the 1860's!), or someone has recently touched it up with 600 grit sandpaper.
Even if touched up, it's a nice example and would probably shoot good too.
Even if touched up, it's a nice example and would probably shoot good too.
