Original 1851 Dated Springfield Musketoon

[westcoastcampaigner]

Hello All,

I have an original 1851 dated Springfield musketoon for sale. I don't know much about original firearms but I will try to tell you as much as I can about this one. It is in superb condition. The stock is in excellent shape. The metal has some light surface rust but this can easily be taken off. I put the ramrod down the barrel and it sounds very clean. The action is very tight and crisp. All markings are clearly stamped. I don't think the ramrod is original to the gun. It looks like it is a ramrod for a earlier style gun. The nipple may need to be replaced in order to fire. This gun is completely serviceable and you should be able to fire it with no problems. I'm asking $1500 shipped.

Pics can be viewed here...http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...272#post183272

Serious inquiries only please. I will accept money orders and Paypal (please add 3% to cover their fees). I will only ship within the lower 48 CONUS. Thank you for your interest.

Best Regards,

Josh Sawyer
Liberty Rifles

[Minieball577]

After looking at the pics, I have to ask, what is it?

[westcoastcampaigner]

I honestly don't know. I don't know much about original Civil War firearms. It's a shorter two band model of a Springfield musket. It almost looks like a Mississippi rifle but obviously it's not. It's overall length is 48.5 inches. If anyone out there thinks they know more please let me know.

I will entertain all reasonable offers. Thanks

Best Regards,

Josh Sawyer
Liberty Rifles

[Minieball577]

Is it rifled or smoothbore? Does there appear to be a nickel finish on it? What is the barrel length, from breechplug/bbl intersection line (not including Breech plug tang) to muzzle? (about 33 inches?) Is there or was there any provision for a rear sight besides the groove files into the Breech plug tang?

[Regular3]

It's described as an 1847 artillery musketoon. Their photos certainly match yours ... 1847 Artillery Musketoon

[Blair]

Darrell,

The 1847 Series of Musketoon, use the much smaller lock. Identical in size shape and contour as the M-1841 (Mississippi) Rifle. They also have 26 " long, .69 cal. smooth bore barrels (some of which were rifled out in the 1850's).

While the arms look very much alike, If you could see a photo with both arms together, you would see there is a dramatic difference in their sizes. A common mistake made by many people.

The firearm Josh has is a modified M-1842 Rifled Musket. We just need to try to find out "Who" modified it and when.

[Minieball577]

Blair appears to be right, but the really weird thing about it is the way it was modified as it appears it was made to look like an 1841 rifle with the way the front band was put in and with the length of the barrel in comparison to the stock.

It for sure is not an 1847 artillery musketoon. The photos do not match with the one Darrel linked too. That arm has a bayonet lug and is set up as it should be with approximately 3 inches of barrel that extends form the front band. This is the distance approximate to the socket on a bayonet that would fit it. The one Josh posted does not have these features indicating that it was probably modified from another arm. I also think in reevaluating both guns you may find that the locks appear to be two different sizes and so are the side plates that serve as washers for the lock screws.

[Blair]

Chris,

Yes, the '47 series of Musketoon are almost "child-like" in size when compared with the M-1842's. Even those altered to Musketoon/Carbine length by Richmond, VA. or Macon, GA.

Josh's gun does appear to have had the stock shortened to what is most correct for the M-1841 Rifle's. (Form 3" to about 5" from the muzzle) Mimicking or perhaps copying the '41? This would be too short to match the stock length for the '42 type Rifles made at Springfield in 1847 for the Fremont Expedition.
The Fremont Rifles also have Long range rear sight, half dovetailed and screw held to the barrel, a standard bayonet lug and the swivel on the front double strap band was made as an integral part on the band when manufactured. (not added to the band after manufacturing)