SPRINGFIELD 1861 DATED 1861

Springfield 1861 Rifle Musket

The model 1861 Rifle Musket resulted from removing the Maynard Tape Primer as adopted in the 1855 series.  While the tape primer performed well in testing in Texas and New Mexico, usage at coastal facilities indicated humidity hurt the effectiveness of the tape primers.  So the primer was omitted.  The 1861 model is the result.  Produced first at Springfield in the latter half of 1861, eventually over one million were produced during the War.  Multiple contractors produced them.  

This example is marked Springfield on the lock and dated 1861.  The barrel does not have visible date or proof marks.  It does have the 1855 rear sight, which was included on early Springfield production. The metal is a grey patina showing wear and light pitting.  The stock is full length and shows much wear.  The corners are rounded and no inspectors cartouch is visible.  There is a repair at the wrist.  Still this is an example of a rifle musket that shows long service.