1863 Springfield Type 1 musket

[GL]

I laid an original 1863 Civil War musket away today at the local gunshop. It was behind a stack of bolt actions and I saw the barrel standing above the rest. This is a type 1 without the band springs. This type was quickly improved into the more familiar type 2 in 1864. This particular musket was most assuredly used in the Civil War in combat as it is such an early model.
It came from an old mans estate that was purchased by the shop owner. It is missing two bands(a common issue with muskets of this age) and the trigger guard swivel but is otherwise intact and in working order. It is still fully functional and the lock works perfectly. Marked with VP, the eagles, US Springfield and dated 1863 behind the hammer. Mine is in comparable condition to the one shown in the link, albeit more pitted but still shiny and legible with the rear sight still on it.

HERE is what I am buying for $300. I am blown away. Pics to come.

Does this count as a Today's Find?

 

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[Curious The George]

Well just DANG!. Sorry to hear that. Hang in there it has happened to all of us at one time or another. Good luck.

 

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[John (Ma)]

You can't beat that, that is outstanding!!!

 

[outback2000]

damn sorry to hear that,, maybe you will make a nice profit of the sale it

 

[Cynangyl]

Congrats! Incredible find indeed!

 

[GL]

Re: 1863 Springfield Type 1 musket(update with picture)

The bayonet fits fine. So does the kepi.

 

[l.cutler]

All three barrel bands are missing? Is the barrel pinned to the stock? If the stock hasn't been altered too much you may be able to get it back closer to original. Love those Civil War rifle muskets.

 

[GL]

It is missing the bands and the barrel is pinned to the stock. There is discoloration where two bands went upper and lower but no indication of a middle band. I can buy reproduction or original bands from several sources cheaply. Dixie Gun Works has originals and reproductions for $12 or so. I would like to buy the upper and lower bands (original) and then take it out back and shoot it. I have inspected and gone over this musket inside and out and it appears in working order. No cracks or repairs anywhere on the stock. The barrel is solid and undamaged all the way to the muzzle. The only thing I don't like is that it's smoothbore. It does have a dated and original 1863 lockplate so it was a type 1. Shame it was converted.
I would need to either replace the stock or restore it to bring it up to original status. Then again I have read that thousands of war surplus Springfields were converted to shotgun duty and sold off around the turn of the 20th century so it could easily have been this way for over 100 years.
Overall I think I got a good deal on an old musket in good condition needing minimal work.