Lot 1204: Whitney Arms Marked U.S. Springfield 1863 Type I Rifle-Musket

Approximately 273,000 Springfield Model 1863 Type I rifle-muskets were manufactured c. 1863-1864 with the screw fastened barrel bands. These rifles are significant in the history of U.S. martial arms, as they armed Union troops and saw widespread use in the latter years of the Civil War. Solid blade front and 500 yard two-leaf rear sight. Casehardened "1863" dated "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" marked lock. Blued "1863" dated barrel, ramrod, barrel bands, rear sight, trigger guard, and buttplate. The left stock flat is marked with two bordered script cartouches including that of Springfield Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin, and the right of the buttstock is marked with a large eagle and shield over "WHITNEY ARMS Co". Eli Whitney Jr. reorganized his family's business in 1863 as the Whitney Arms Co. and is known to have purchased condemned and leftover parts from the U.S. armories as well as other outside contractors primarily to sell to states and militia units, with some sources stating these Model 1863 rifle-muskets with the Whitney stamp were likely assembled post-Civil War. Regardless, this example is as it would have been from Springfield. "US" marked buttplate tang. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet and reproduction leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine, retaining 50% original blue finish thinning to a smooth brown and gray patina, some wear from bayonet mounting, areas of light flaking, and some light pitting. 60% vivid original case colors remain on the lock with scattered spotting and crisp lock markings. Stock is also fine with defined edges and attractive raised grain, scattered light scratches and dents, some scattered moderate chips, repaired sections visible on the left flat behind both of the lock screws, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with sharp edges and some scattered patches of mild surface corrosion.