Manufactured in Springfield Massachusetts at the Springfield Armory the 1863 Rifle Musket is a .58 caliber single shot muzzleloader with a 40” round barrel and three barrel bands. A total of 273,265 were produced making it the most common of all Union weapons.
Iron mountings. All metal parts finished bright except for the lock-plate and hammer the rear sight is sometimes blued, as are the barrels bands. The ramrod is either tulip type or straight type shank and the front sight doubles as a bayonet stud.
If you have any questions about this weapon or any of the other weapon in my arsenal feel free to contact me at civilwararsenal@yahoo.com attn: Gene West. Thanks for stopping by.
Hello Gene-
I read your article after googling ‘value of civil war rifles’…per your message I would appreciate your professional opinion of the approximate value of a civil rifle that I am considering selling? I purchased this rifle back in the 70’s at an estate sale. It is an 1863 Springfield Rifle w/bayonet. I hear so much about trapdoor, and not really sure what it means, but my rifle has a brass door located on the butt of the rifle. It contains a small bag of percussion caps. The rifle is in original condition, meaning it has never been shined up. All the actions work, and I was told that the elderly gentleman who previously owned the rifle had fired it as a young boy. Any assistance in helping to determine it’s value would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Kevin, I would need to see images of the weapon before I could give any thoughts. If you could forward high resolution photos I will do my best in helping you with value. Trapdoor just means it loads at the breech of the weapon generally with a breechblock that pivots forward.
Hi Mr. West,
I just found your site. There’s a musket for sale for $900. The condition is unknown to me, although the woman selling it says it is very good. I can’t find any reference to the value of it. I am a Civil War aficionado, but mostly I’m interested because it seems undervalued and I’m wondering if I might be able to turn a profit by selling it to another Civil War buff like me.
Obviously you cannot tell me how much this particular musket is worth. However, taking into consideration who made it and the fact that the bayonet is with it, I’m wondering if you might be able to provide a range of value that it might fall under. Of course, I’m not holding you to anything. I’m just curious as a possible investment.
Thank you,
Joe
Dear Gene,
I saw your post online and was wondering if you could tell the value of a U.S MODEL 1863 .58 CALIBER CIVIL WAR MUSKET with attached bayonet and leather shoulder strap; has been passed down in our family for years.
Along with with it’s possible value, can tell me the names of any gun collectors who would be interested in purchasing this gun?
Thanks Gene.
Sincerely,
Jim Wehrheim
Jim,
The value of the weapon you own depends on condition, hundreds of thousands of Springfield’s were made during the war and there are many survivors, but the ones that command premiums are in excellent condition. Below I’ve included information on values.
Most dealers wouldn’t be interested in the Springfield unless it was in fine condition, but there are other venues for selling your weapon i.e. http://www.gunbrokers.com, http://www.lodgewoodmfg.com.
You didn’t provide any images of the weapon so I have no way of understanding condition…..if you like forward some photos and I may be able to help further.
Regards, Gene
Hi Gene,
You were kind enough to respond to me this past January when I inquired about the value of a rifle I own.
I am so sorry its taken me seven months to respond; I started a new job and moved from my home in Wisconsin to Arizona. Thank you for your patience!
Attached are some (not so professional) pictures I took recently.
Here are a few more facts about the rifle:
Springfield rifle serial number is 4362
Breach-loading cartridge
Block & barrel 36 inches long.
National Armory Bright finish
The “C” and number 10 stamped on the butt plate means “C” Company, 10th gun.
If you can help me further, let me know your thoughts when and if you have time.
Thank you Gene!
Sincerely,
Jim Wehrheim
Particulars: special model by Lamson Goodnow & Yale with lockplate stamped”US/L G&Y/WINDSOR VT” dated 1864. Metal has light salt & pepper pitting but looks good, has walnut stock, a cartouche & a very good bore. Thanks for any help you can give us as to it’s value.
Norman
Norman,
Below is an attachment with the information you’ve requested….
Regards, Gene West
Hello Mr. West,
My name is Jim Haefner. I have a 1843 Springfield that use to be a flintlock. From internet research it seems to be that this musket is actually a converted model 1840. I am attaching photos of this musket. In the photos, you can see where it has been converted from flint lock to percussion lock. Can you inform me of any information about this particular piece and it’s approximate value? I thank you for your time and I look forward to your reply,
Sincerely,
Jim
Jimmy, What you have is a Model 1840 US Flintlock Musket that was converted to percussion sometime in the 1850’s. Unfortunately it started out as a French Style ( side lug) conversion based on the contour of the brass filler on top of the lock plate and then was converted again to the Belgian Style (cone style)……or maybe the lock plate was switched at one time…….hard to say.
If it were still a flintlock musket it would be worth much but with the conversion the way it is, it’s worth little. Please see the attachment I’ve included below.
Regards, Gene
Hello Gene , I have a 1861 model .The date plate says1863 and US Norfolk .The butt of the stock has 23 stamped on both sides.I would say the gun is in pretty good shape.The ones i looked at online look like the have been cleaned ? the barrells are brite and the rest of the metal looks clean.Do they clean them ? Just a rough idea on the value would be appreciated.One more question wear do you find the caliber marking ? Thanks for your time.
Dennis,
The #23 on the stock is probably a rack number when the weapon was stored, it’s a .58 caliber and do NOT clean it. I’ve included two attachments below that should answer any other questions you have including valuation……..
Regards, Gene
Hi Gene,
I saw your blog on line, and I want to say I really appreciate you selflessly taking time out of your schedule to share your knowledge and advice about Civil War firearms with people like me. I’m a novice CW collector who’s looking to purchase a Union rifle, but I’m scared of being ripped off or sold a counterfeit. I’d love to find l a low to mid quality rifle (financial constraints), preferably a Springfield. I’m particularly interested in a Springfield since I live near Springfield, MA which makes that model more special to me. A non functioning rifle in otherwise good shape would actually be ideal. Do you have any good advice or leads on where to find a rifle like this. Thanks so much for your help.
Cordially,
Joe
Joe,
Thank you for the kind words about my blog, I’m glad it was helpful to you.
There are a number of places you can purchase a Springfield Rifle Musket, but first you must research and educate yourself. I would recommend you start by purchasing a copy of “Flaydermans Guide to Antique American Arms”. This book will give you the history, valuation and just about anything else a buyer will require when looking to purchase an Antique Weapon.
As far as purchasing is concerned try looking at http://www.gunbroker.com. There are dozens of other websites I could recommend but I’m reluctant because the prices could be much higher because the weapons for sale are not entry level…….you should be able to find a entry level Springfield for between $800 to 1300…….of course there are many that sell for much more but they are not entry level……due to the fact that they are in excellent condition, or there’s provenance associated with it, or maybe there’s something unique about it……I gather from your email that’s not what your looking for.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask, good luck with your quest to find your CW Springfield.
Regards, Gene
Hi,
I saw your website http://www.civilwararsenal.com and I have a question about a Civil War Musket that I have inherited. The description reads: Civil War Springfield Model 1861 Musket dated 1862. Nice bore and action, nice wood with inspectors mark. Barrel has been shortened about ½ inch during it’s period of use.
Can you give me an idea what this might be worth and if you know where I might be able to sell it?
Thanks,
Leslie
Leslie, sorry it’s taken sometime to respond but I was out of town. Please send quality images of the Springfield and I will do my best to answer whatever questions you have.
Regards, Gene
Thanks for getting back to me. Attached are some pictures of the gun. Please let me know if you have problems with the zip folder, and I will send them individually. I will send a second email with some more pictures.
I forget to mention, I live in St Louis, if you know anyone in that area who may be interested in something like this. The gun was purchased from a broker in New York in the 1990’s.
Thanks,
Leslie
Leslie, the Springfield you have is complete however it’s in rough shape……..I’ve included an attachment below which has some of the weapons history as well as the value……Your weapon is at the low end of the value due to its condition.
As far as trying to sell it, most of the dealers want better condition weapons, but if you were to list it at http://www.gunbrokers.com you would definitely sell it……but you would have to have realistic expectations……..a weapon like it is best to list very low and it will sell for what it’s worth or what someone is willing to pay……..I would say it would sell for between $400 to $800, but you will need to start the 10 day auction very low……starting price should be $99.00 with a “buy in now” for $800……just my opinion.
Regards, Gene
Mr west. Enclosed are the photos of my us Springfield rifle. I have been reading about lots of conversions that may have taken place on this rifle. The makings say 1863 on the back side of the hammer….but also stamped 1864 on side/ of hammer. Also it has a series of numbers in the stock as well as a Eagle stamped into the wood. The bolster/trigger guard has been braized and it may possibly be a cone in conversion…i have tried to find info on it but I seem to be directed to different models. The rifle was owned by a gun dealer in New York…who passed at 85 years old…then passed…then I got it. I can feel the history from this piece…and I think it begging to be recognised. I do believe it’s a confederate issue and that it served in multiple battles of the civil war…and had been updated more than once…please help mr west?
Ricky,
Most 1864 Springfield’s saw little or no battle during the War Between the States and I do not believe it’s a Confederate used weapon. It appears that the stock has either been sanded (a lot) or it’s a post war Springfield stock, probably after 1870…….as far as markings on the stock are concerned there probably rack numbers from being stored in Arsenal’s……..
Regards, Gene West
Gene
My elderly sister-in-law ask me to dispose of what appears to be a Civil War era rifle which had been a wall hanger in her home. After cleaning off the accumulated dirt from 30 years I have identified numerous markings which indicate, based on info found on the internet and Flayderman’s Guide, that it may be a 2nd Allin trapdoor conversion. While several of the markings seem to confirm the identity, there are a few that raise some questions. Attached please find photos of the rifle showing pertinent markings. I have ruled out that it is a rare 1st Allin conversion by the design of the cartridge extractor on the trap door. In my opinion the rifle due, to lack of care over the years, is in fair to poor condition due to rust, etc. In summary, items that lead me to believe that it is a 1866 US Springfield 2nd Allin Conversion are:
The rifle appears to be what is referred to as a 3 band, long barrel.
The barrel length from the face of the trapdoor is 36 5/8” and overall length is 55 3/4”
The front top of the trap door is stamped with “1866” above an eagle’s head
Rough measurement of the bore indicates that it is a 50 cal., However I cannot confirm that the barrel been sleeved to reduce from it 58 cal. to 50 cal.
The butt plate tang is stamped with “US” and the right side of the stock is stamped with a “12”
There are no other visible armory markings on the stock
The sling appears to be original and has some markings on the metal buckles which I can not make out
Two inconsistent items that raise questions are:
The lock plate is stamped with “1865” behind the hammer with an “eagle” and “US Springfield” in front of the hammer. Most reference material indicates 2nd Allin’s are stamped “1864”
Another issue is that instead of an attached cleaning rod, it has an attachment that appears to be for a bayonet
I would value any comments or information which you can share with me that would aid in confirming identity of the rifle. Also would appreciate your best estimate on the current market value in the collector market.
Thanks
Rich
Rich,
Rather then me drone on about your Springfield please see the attachments below, hopefully they answer all your questions. Post war weapons are not my expertise…..but if I were a betting man, which I’m not I would say you have a Model 1868 U.S. Springfield Rifle……I say that because of the extra piece of metal between the lock plate and the thumb latch……..earlier models don’t have that extra piece of metal…….but look for yourself……sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.
Regards, Gene
Dear Gene,
I came across your website
https://www.civilwararsenal.com/whats-a-fair-price-for-my-civil-war-weapon/
and was wondering your opinion on this antique gun that has been on display for dozens of years in a historical 1800-built home in Litchfield, Connecticut.
My friend who is into historical weapons wrote that he thinks it might be a “civilian conversion trapdoor Springfield. Basically the wood was cut away to make it unique. People would usually use it to match the metal up with an original start, thus making an original gun. Bannermans sold 635,000 cut down trap door Springfields from 1897 to 1928. Then the government sold 800,000 that were eventually cut down and sold for civilian use.This one still has the rear sight and bayonet lug so it’s a good restoration candidate but the pitting is bad.”
From the looks of your website you know a thing or two about this topic. What do you think? Do you agree with my friend’s above assessment? Do you know ballpark how much this might be worth? Many thanks for any information you can provide.
Regards,
Leah
Leah,
I agree with your friends assessment of the weapon being a “civilian conversion trapdoor Springfield”. Unfortunately I’m not well versed in post Civil War Weapons so I am including an attachment below so you can make your own judgement…….as you can see in the attachment there’s an illustration of a High Arch Breech and a Low Arch Breech this should help identify which model Springfield you have. Let me know if you have other questions, I’m happy to help.
Regards, Gene
Hi Gene,
Your email address makes me think that you are my son’s age!
I was looking for information for antique rifles and stumbled across your web site. I enjoyed some of the information, but couldn’t find what I was looking for until your offer to help with information.
My husband loved his rifles, but I never paid much attention to them, which I regret now. He inherited two partial Springfield rifles; one marked 1863, and one 1873. He had them refurbished and they look wonderful, but of course, there have been parts added. Is there any value to this type of gun? I am moving and trying to handle a lot of things that I don’t know about. Can I sell something like this? Would an antique store be interested? Is that legitimate?
Thank you, Gene.
Carol,
Please provide images of the Springfields, including closeups of the lock plates and any markings on the stock and barrels…….and I will do my best to answer any questions you have. Impossible to do without pictures.
Regards, Gene West
Hello,
I found your website while scouring the internet….very informative…especially for the uneducated (ME).
I’m searching for a Union long rifle…3 band Enfield/Springfield/Lorenz…don’t mind a little elbow grease needed…doesn’t have to fire…looking for a “wall hangar” so to speak to honor my great-grandfather, who served with the 63rd Indiana Volunteers. Due to some chicanery during the great depression when my father was orphaned at 2 years of age, our family has very little in the way of family artifacts.
Where would you recommend as a reliable and somewhat fair priced source(s) for purchasing one of these, and about what might I expect to pay.
Any info is greatly appreciated,
Respectfully,
Tim,
There’s a number of venues to research when considering purchasing your first CW musket. First things first, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800-1200 for a nice Union wall hanger…..of course you can spend more then that but that would be for a musket in excellent condition and I gather from your email that’s not what your looking for.
Below see a number of links I’ve included to help with your search……if you don’t see anything in your price range be patient……eventually you will. Good luck, it’s always fun searchIng for history.
Regards Gene West
http://www.lodgewood.com/
http://www.horsesoldier.com/
http://floridaconfederate.com/cgi-bin/display_items_gal.asp?c=1&s=18
https://www.gunbroker.com/
http://rebelrelics.com/new-arrivals