Bridesburg Rifle?

[Neonkokugen]

Greetings. I am new here and in much need to the experts that call this place home.

I am recently been offered the chance to purchase this 1862 Bridesburg Rifle at a relatively low price. However, I know almost nothing unfortunately of Civil War Era gunnery. And my days long search through the interwebs have been so far mostly unfruitful.

Some of my major concerns are.

*Is it Authentic
*Is it worth it
*Is it actual Civil War

The symbols along the barrel "V" "P" and then a eagle head from what I have learned mean Verified Proofing from Colt. But I don't understand why there is a small "S" next to the "P", which I don't see on other rifles of the era. Of course, I might be wrong on that whole thing, like I said, I know almost nothing about these things and any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mofederal]

Hello and welcome to the talk forum from Southeast Missouri located on the banks of the muddy Mississippi River. That's a really nice rifle. Thanks for posting it. Great photos @Neonkokugen.

 

[johan_steele]

Yes it's legit, yes it's worth it if you want it and yes it's certainly ACW.

 

[Neonkokugen]

Any idea what the "S" might mean? Thanks for the confirmation by the way.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome to the forum, cool piece, thanks for sharing with us. I'm guessing the s is an inspector's mark. I'm sure someone here can tell you for sure before long.

 

[Larryh86GT]

Welcome from WNY

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome From The HEART Of Dixie. Nice musket. @johan_steele is spot on and I agree. I would certainly add it to my collection.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[MRB1863]

Hello and welcome from 35 miles north of Gettysburg! Nice collectible!!!

 

[CMWinkler]

Welcome. Nice piece.

 

[kevikens]

The Bridesburg rifle was made in Philadelphia at or near the location of the Frankford Arsenal, part of which stands today as a business park. They made a high quality firearm. Assuming the lock works properly it would make a nice addition to any collection. I would not try cleaning the metal parts except for a gentle wiping with a cloth lightly sprinkled with a good gun oil. Also before you do anything else with it you ought to take it to a gunsmith to check that the barrel does not harbor an old charge still down there. As to whether it is a good buy at the price offered that depends on how much you like it. I too would have been willing to purchase it had it been priced "modestly" as you put it.

 

[vmicraig]

From Flaydermans 9th edition (2007): By Alfred Jenks & Son, Bridesburgs and Philadelphia, PA. Total produced 98,464, c. 1861-65; one of the largest orders contracted for and delivered by an arms maker during the ACW. Lock Markings as follows; eagle motif standard:

U.S./BRIDESBURG beneath nipple bolster; date either beneath this marking (scarcer and worth slight premium) or at rear of lock: Values - Good $850 Fine $2750.

 

[Neonkokugen]

Good $850 Fine $2750?

 

[WJC]

Welcome! Happy to have you aboard! Nice piece. Its worth is something you must decide.

 

[Neonkokugen]

Thank you all for your help. I have purchased the Bridesburg

 

[FrankN]

Nice weapon, congratulations ! I also own a Bridesburg. I used to live close to the former location of the factory.


Frank

 

[vmicraig]

Good $850 Fine $2750?

Remember, that's a wide ranging price guide by Flaydermans, which was last updated 10 years ago. Flaydermans is considered one of if not the most authoritarian resources on American historical firearms. The prices are a guideline only and many are still appropriate, whereas others are low as time passes and these firearms are harder to come by. Prices will fluctuate up and down - sometimes the market causes it. For instance, Lorenz rifles used to be a dime a dozen, but its much harder to find a good one today, and as such, the market price has climbed. M1861's and 1863's are incredibly plentiful, and the prices have remained steady for years.

You'll find many auction houses will start within a seemingly low price guideline, only to sell with a price that will blow you away - sometimes far above what the auction house considered the retail value, or likewise, far below what they considered the value if no minimum was set. Again, it all comes down to what current buyers want, not necessarily the actual value.

So many factors come into play with determining the actual "value" of a gun (other than the most rare or historically important ones) that its difficult to narrow it down to anything but a range as opposed to a single number. A small scratch on a fine or rare weapon will make hundreds or even thousands of dollars difference to a high end collector, whereas a scratch on yours probably won't make much difference if any, no offense. So long story short - the gun's value is whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it, even if a price guideline says otherwise. It's always good to check multiple retail sales points and professional resources to determine the appropriate range of $ value for your particular gun before you decide to list it for sale or file for insurance coverage.