1863 Springfield

[huds1117]

recently purchased - need info on markings:
V P (and some type of symbol) next to the hammer at start of barrel
U on all 3 bands
3 Bands are all spring screw fastened (does this indicate anything)
US on Butt plate

anything else I should look for?

 

[JohnW.]

recently purchased - need info on markings:
V P (and some type of symbol) next to the hammer at start of barrel
U on all 3 bands
3 Bands are all spring screw fastened (does this indicate anything)
US on Butt plate

anything else I should look for?

Do you have any photos???

 

[johan_steele]

The VP & Eagle are proof marks. The picture is that of an M1861 but they would be similar if not the same.

The U references up so the barrel bands are placed on the weapon correctly.

US on the butt plate is standard, the three spring fastened bands are typical of the M1863 as well as the Special Model 1861. What does it say on the lockplate? Pics are advisable.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

He actually said "...spring screw fastened..." Might that mean 1863 screw clamp bands on a 1864 stock with band springs?
J.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[Patrick H]

I can't help you with identifying your piece, but it looks nice to me. What I CAN do is welcome you from Missouri!

 

[originalrebelyell]

The V is the View and inspection mark. The P is the proof that it has been proof fired and inspected. The Eagle is the U.S. acceptance mark. The U on the bands are to be pointing up toward the muzzle and they are supposed to all be on the same side of the rifle.

 

[huds1117]

Do you have any photos???

I would post some pics but they won't be as clear as some of the other posts I've seen - the answers below have been helpful and it seems to be a very complete gun with original parts - the entire gun is pretty dark in color so it is not conducive to taking good pics - I've been told to avoid trying to clean it

 

[huds1117]

The V is the View and inspection mark. The P is the proof that it has been proof fired and inspected. The Eagle is the U.S. acceptance mark. The U on the bands are to be pointing up toward the muzzle and they are supposed to all be on the same side of the rifle.

Thanks - that is what I had been told regarding the "V" & "P" - after seeing other posts I can see that the other mark (hard to see) must be the eagle signifying acceptance

 

[huds1117]

The V is the View and inspection mark. The P is the proof that it has been proof fired and inspected. The Eagle is the U.S. acceptance mark. The U on the bands are to be pointing up toward the muzzle and they are supposed to all be on the same side of the rifle.

yes the "U" on bands are all pointing up and on the same side

 

[huds1117]

The VP & Eagle are proof marks. The picture is that of an M1861 but they would be similar if not the same.
View attachment 128560

The U references up so the barrel bands are placed on the weapon correctly.

US on the butt plate is standard, the three spring fastened bands are typical of the M1863 as well as the Special Model 1861. What does it say on the lockplate? Pics are advisable.

yes the "V" "P" and eagle are exactly like your pic