This is an outstanding, nearly as issued, example of a U.S. Springfield Model 1861 rifle-musket. The Model 1861 rifle-musket was the primary shoulder arm used by the Union infantry during the Civil War, with various firms outside of Springfield Armory manufacturing them under contract for the war effort using parts interchangeability on a large scale. The majority of these rifle-muskets saw heavy use in all of the major battles of the Civil War, with this example appearing to have likely remained in Armory storage the length of the war and serving as a true time capsule. Marked "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" at the center of the lock, as manufactured by the Springfield Armory, ahead of an eagle and shield and the date "1862" at the tail of the lock to match the "1862" dated barrel. Front bayonet stud sight and rear sight with 100, 300 and 500 yard flip-up leafs. The left stock flat proudly displays two crisp boxed script inspection cartouches including "ESA" of Springfield Armory's Master Armorer, Erskine S. Allin. "US" marked buttplate tang. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet. Provenance: The Richard Harris Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Excellent plus, nearly as issued and one of the finest known examples to ever come through Rock Island Auction Company, exhibiting highly attractive armory bright iron surfaces with only very light freckling, a few small patches of minor pitting on the buttplate tang, and sharp edges and markings in the metal overall. Retains most of the dull blue military finish on the rear sight. Stock is also excellent with attractive original raised and feathered walnut grains, rich oil finish, some occasional light handling marks, tight fitment around all the edges where the wood meets the metal, and absolutely crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very fine. Look no further, this outstanding example of a U.S. Springfield Model 1861 rifle-musket is the missing piece/upgrade in any Civil War collection and is nearly impossible to improve upon!