Help me learn about the 1863 Springfield please.

[Southron]

I can recommend the book: "Civil War Guns" by the late William B. Edwards. The book is highly readable and if you have an interest in Civil War guns, it is hard to put down the book.

http://www.amazon.com/Civil-War-Guns.../dp/1577470230

I knew Bill Edwards and he was the consummate historian. I recall on on visit to his home in Afton, Virginia (many, many years ago) I questioned a statement he had made in his book about Sharps Carbines. He led me into a room that literally had banks of filing cabinets, went to one of the cabinets, opened a drawer and then flipped through manila folders until he found the one he wanted.

He brought the folder to me, opened up and showed me the original documents on which he had written what he did on that subject! I never again questioned his accuracy. Historians since him have done more research and brought to light more facts and details...but Bill was one of the first authors to write a very readable book that never will really get "out of date."

[RicM]

Crispy, best of luck with your 1863. I also am coming into an all original 1864 Springfield 3 band complete with original bayonet. A very good lifetime friend dealing in older firearms has told me this Musket was from an estate sale about 10 years ago. He only knows its all original, which it was past on thru the family for generations. Its in good shape, no pitting or rust and the barrel is not shot out Stock has its share of nicks and light scratches but is NOT split or cracked, the bayonet is not bent or damage and has the original scabbard is also with it. Was told it needs a good cleaning, was stored indoors for decades. Like you, Crispy I am jumping into the deep pool being a sponge on all and any info. Can't wait to see some pics of yours. Thank you BIG TIME also to other guys here posting some great info on this thread, I will no doubt post pics once I get it by early February. I really like the idea of a repro barrel (mentioned in this thread) so not to damage the original one.

[Major Tom]

I have a Uberti 1863 musket, 58 cal. that has CS over Richmond, VA on the side plate. Were there originally made muskets like this? That would imply that copy cat Springfields were made in the South?