And yet another 1868 dated 1868 Springfield...

[Fred]

[Fred]

[Fred]

[Fred]

[Fred]

[Fred]

[Fred]

[Fred]

So apparently, this early 1868 cleaning rod is a cut down 1866 rod.
here is the rod on my 1866 for comparison. They're identical.

[Dick Hosmer]

I thought it had the rod shoulder? An earlier pic shows 6 and 127, right? Both have shoulders - the 66 does not.

What did you use to clean the barrel? Certainly got rid of the crap, but did not harm the finish.

[Fred]

Yep, you're right Dick. I didn't think that through. Thanks!
i used oil and Bronze wool and bronze wire wheel to erase the crud. Carefully done near the receiver too!