1863 Springfield rear sight question?

[Drumfish420]

Is this rear sight correct? I can't seem to find any info on it. Thanks!

 

[rob63]

No, it is not correct. Post-war civilian addition.

 

[Drumfish420]

Thank you!

 

[Drumfish420]

My next question then would be does this detract from the value of the rifle? I personally don't see it as a big deal, but will replace it if need be. Thanks!

 

[bayonet]

My next question then would be does this detract from the value of the rifle? I personally don't see it as a big deal, but will replace it if need be. Thanks!

Yes it does in my opinion as far as value $. Just get an original rear sight that matches the patina of the barrel and mount it. I did it to my 1863 Parker & Snow over 30 years ago. Matches perfectly

 

[Lanyard Puller]

Get an original, period correct, rear sight and have it mounted correctly. It will improve the value of your rifle musket for more than the cost of the sight. IMHO.

 

[Drumfish420]

Thanks guys!

 

[bayonet]

Thanks guys!

no problem I drink Guinness in a bottle. I think Lanyard Puller is a Vietnam Vet so he drinks warm Black Label in a can
The VA should give disability to every Vet that had no choice but to drink that!

 

[johan_steele]

I'm a cheap bastardized so Red Label will do…

You have an M1863 Springfield. That will help in your research and looking for parts.

A replacement original rear sight will only increase the value. Is she full length? Any rifling left? Can the nipple be replaced? Is the sight screw hole still useable?

Pics always help.

Where to look for parts are places such as Lodgewood, S&S etc.

 

[Drumfish420]

I'm a cheap bastardized so Red Label will do…

You have an M1863 Springfield. That will help in your research and looking for parts.

A replacement original rear sight will only increase the value. Is she full length? Any rifling left? Can the nipple be replaced? Is the sight screw hole still useable?

Pics always help.

Where to look for parts are places such as Lodgewood, S&S etc.

I haven't bought it yet, its on an auction site and I wanted to make sure it was worth bidding on beforehand.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

@bayonet gravely slandered me.

True, I was a Viet Nam ERA vet. USAF. {never set foot in the place} but was "borrowed" by an unnamed group which worked in strange places.

My photo was taken propped up on a 0-1 Bird dog, in my very sleek and fashionable "uniform" designed by me and made by one of the local Indian tailors, in the reloading revet in Phnom Penh, [where Nixon swore there were NO U.S. troops].

and.... as to the warm beer remark ; single malt Scotch was very available.

Back to the post. get a period "cone" aka nipple, and an original rear sight. IF you buy it !

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

Here is an important question:

Is the barrel still in original condition to accept the rear sight?

The original sight would have been slid into a dovetail cut in the barrel, and fastened in front of that with a screw into a threaded hole in the barrel an inch or so toward the muzzle.

The original dovetail might have been widened to accept that fixed sight (and so an original will just fall out) and the hole for the screw might have been filled in, so you might not be able to install an original sight without some expensive gunsmithing.

I like Guinness Extra Stout or Guinness Foreign Extra Stout in the bottle - real taste. If Guinness is liquid bread, the standard draft is grocery store factory baked "Wonder Bread" and the Extra Stout is a woodfire oven baked crusty farmhouse loaf.

 

[bayonet]

Here is an important question:

Is the barrel still in original condition to accept the rear sight?

The original sight would have been slid into a dovetail cut in the barrel, and fastened in front of that with a screw into a threaded hole in the barrel an inch or so toward the muzzle.

The original dovetail might have been widened to accept that fixed sight (and so an original will just fall out) and the hole for the screw might have been filled in, so you might not be able to install an original sight without some expensive gunsmithing.

I like Guinness Extra Stout or Guinness Foreign Extra Stout in the bottle - real taste. If Guinness is liquid bread, the standard draft is grocery store factory baked "Wonder Bread" and the Extra Stout is a woodfire oven baked crusty farmhouse loaf.

Doubt the auction house will post pics of the top of the barrel where the rear sight goes. Have to attend the Auction in person to inspect it.

 

[bayonet]

@bayonet gravely slandered me.

True, I was a Viet Nam ERA vet. USAF. {never set foot in the place} but was "borrowed" by an unnamed group which worked in strange places.

My photo was taken propped up on a 0-1 Bird dog, in my very sleek and fashionable "uniform" designed by me and made by one of the local Indian tailors, in the reloading revet in Phnom Penh, [where Nixon swore there were NO U.S. troops].

and.... as to the warm beer remark ; single malt Scotch was very available.

Back to the post. get a period "cone" aka nipple, and an original rear sight. IF you buy it !

Then you deserve a whole 6 pack of warm Black Label (correct me but were they in steel cans?) for having to fly around in that paper Crate. "single malt Scotch" found over there? Made using the water in India of The Ganges river after Gandhi bathed in it?

 

[Drumfish420]

Thanks for the help guys. Did some searching around and purchased a nice 1863 Bridesburg (with correct rear sight) from Lodgewood just a little while ago!

 

[Drumfish420]

Can anybody identify the markings on the buttplate? This is the rifle I purchased. Thanks.

 

[rob63]

2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery?

2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery Regiment - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org