Question on Springfield Lockplates

[JustinPrince]

I have a quick question. I am still buying up my kit, and God willing by around April or May I can finally join up with a local unit.

I currently have a '61 Springfield, and was thinking getting an 1862 dated plate and turn it into a contract musket. I was thinking along the lines of an 1862 Springfield or an 1862 Bridesburg.

A couple of questions: How difficult is it to install a new lockplate? Also, near the barrel tang I believe, the Barrel on my Springfield is stamped 1861. Were Barrels stamped with the same year as the lockplates, or would an 1862 lockplate and an 1861 barrel look too... farby?

This isn't my top priority right now... still have to get the blanket, sack coat, trousers, and brogans, but it is definately something I am thinking about and was curious on how to proceed.

Also, what would be a good reference work for Civil War era Springfields, Models 1842, 55, 61, and 63?

Thanks!

[TheBaldYankee]

Well, I don't know about the lock plate, but I did just order a manual (reprint)

RULES for the MANAGEMENT AND CLEANING of the RIFLE MUSKET

I they've got one for the 1855 and the 1863. Both say they'll work for the '61.

Fall Creek just has the '63 manual, for $3.00, but Regimantal Quatermaster has the '63 and '55, but they are $3.95, each. Probably less on the shipping though.

RQ also has a nice list of spare parts for various muskets. Just click "Gun Parts" then choose your make and model. So far the only source I've seen for a spare Cleanout screw.

You could hunt on Ebay for the lockplate, there's one up right now for $19.99. It says original, but who knows?


Anthony Salem

[tompritchett]

You could hunt on Ebay for the lockplate, there's one up right now for $19.99. It says original, but who knows?


At that price - right. IMHO, when shopping Ebay for "authentic" C.W. items, remember the words of P.T. Barnum. Unless you know what you are looking for and have the expertise to spot fakes and/or less than honest Ebay sellers, I would suggest that you avoid it. Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.

[jim]

Justin ,contact James River Armory.They are reproducing a number of contract lock plates for both Armi Sport and Euro Arms ...Mod. 61.I bought a couple of plates for the public to see there were different contracts.As for your 61 barrel,the earliest non Springfield contract was Bridesburg 1862.Good luck, jim naumec