1862 Springfield rifle

[martin guerre]

Hi guys,a 1862 Springfield rifle is proposed to me but i don't see it at this moment and the seller (non collector) want to me to give him a range of price for this rifle.The seller said me that it is in very good condition.
Are the Springfield rifles rare and desirable ?
What range of price can i give him ?
Thanks for your time .
Martin.

[Pfalz DIIIa]

Musket assistance!

Martin,

Hello. Good luck with your prospective purchase. I own two and they are wonderful. My first question: where are you going to be acquiring this piece from; Europe? I know many Civil War Muskets were sold on the open market after the American Civil War. Just curious.
Well, let's get started. I must first tell you that there are many things to consider when dealing with these weapons. There are some absolutes, but the only way to really tell is by handling the weapon. I would suggest getting a Flaydermans guide for starters. The pricing is just a guide; not the rule. The information he provides in the book is great to help you in identifying what type of weapon you may be handling.
Right then, there are several things you need to confirm before making this purchase. First, there were three primary types. The 1861, the 1863 and the 1864 Contract model. When you say it is an 1862, are you referring to the date on the lock plate? Also, does the lock plate say SPRINGFIELD 1862?
If so, then you are dealing with the 1861 Model. These are very desirable and are considered the classic Springfield Musket. As a rule, the 1861 had a High "C" spur hammer. The 1863 had the "S" hammer as did the 1864 Contract styles.
The 1861 Model was produced in 1861-62. In 1863, a change occurred in several aspects of the production of the Musket. The hammer, barrel bands, and rear sight to name a few. The Ramrod also changed from a fluted end to a straight cup. (I personally like the fluted end typle...very pretty)
The next thing to consider is condition. Is the Metal bright? Has it been cleaned; that is, over cleaned? Does it have an "Attic" patina on it? (If so, DON'T CLEAN IT!. I have seen so many muskets ruined by people and dealers trying to make it "Armory Bright" again.) How is the stock? Are the Federal Inspection Cartouches present? These are found opposite the lock plate on the stock. There should be two present...
As for a price, this will all depend upon condition, type and provenance. Did this musket belong to a soldier? That is, did it come from a family who can provide some provenance? This can increase the value tremendously. But that is another discussion...
It the current market, I have seen Minty example of an 1861 Musket go as high as $7000US. A good, well worn piece will go anywhere from $1200- 3500US. But remember, condition and type will dictate the price.
The 1863 types go for 1200-1800US and 1864 Contract models $900 -1300. PLEASE NOTE: Some contract models can fetch the higher prices mentioned because of the Contact maker and rarity.

I hope this will get you started. Can you post any photos? Please feel free to contact me and I will assist you in any way. Remember, ask questions first.

Cheers,

Michael Collins

[martin guerre]

Hi Michael, thanks, your knowledge about these rifles is wonderfull .The guy who phoned me for the rifle found me a lot of nices items in the past but he know nothing about militaria ,guns,rifles etc...and he just said me that the rifle is marked springfield 1862 and very nice and no more infos at this moment.You're completely right when you are saying that i have to have it in hand before.I will try to see it fastly and contact you for more infos.
Thanks for your nice help .
Martin.

[Pfalz DIIIa]

One other thing...

Hello Martin!

Good luck. I love hearing these stories. I hope it is a good one.

One other thing to consider and that is the rifling in the barrel. Is the bore bright? That is, can you still see the rifling in the barrel. I use a small "bore light" to peer down the barrel before a purchase. I sometimes use my "Pinky" finger and place it in the barrel end and turn it. If I feel rifling, it is a good sign. A good clean bore is a sign of little use and or good care.
Also, make sure the stock is full length. Many of the Springfields were converted to Shotguns and sold through Sears Roebuck and Company as Fowlers. They would cut the fore-end of the stock off and remove the barrel bands as a measure to save weight. I have seen may examples of MINTY Lockplates on Muskets that were ruined by having the forestock removed in favor of a shotgun...

Also, a goodly number of these weapons were from Bannerman Island after the Civil War. Bannerman was a millionaire who bought huge stockpiles of surplus military and sold it on the open market. It could be how it made it back to France. (?)

My primary collecting interest is Confederate Muskets. I have handled many US Civil War muskets in my years. The US Springfield is a real GEM!

Keep us posted.
Cheers,

Michael Collins

PS I don't want to neglect those who like the 1855 Model Rifle. These were the predecessors of the 1861 Springfield and were very beautiful as well.

[Pfalz DIIIa]

Update?

Any word on the Springfield Martin?

Let us know.

MC