M-1861 dated 1861..newbie here.

[PoconoSteve]

New here and am enjoying and learning a lot by reading past posts. Looks like a very informative site.
Just purchased a dated 1861 in real nice condition, polished hardware (I guess some say 'ugh') but I
think the lightly restored look is appealing : )
Novice questions: any idea of how many dated 1861's made by Springfield? not the contracts. I read
maybe 265,000 but think that includes 1862's?
My barrel date is gone. Is there a date stamp on the end of the barrel if I were to take apart?
Thoughts on firing at some point. Folks say it devalues..others indicate that it shows that it is
fully firing and functioning weapon, and can increase or maintain its value. Maybe powder only
with no minie ball? What do others do with these originals. Thought about having it x-rayed, etc.
Thanks in advance....

 

[redbob]

Welcome to the group from middle Alabama and I suspect that your answers will be along shortly.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

The 265,129 number includes 1861 through 1863 dated Model 1861 type I rifle Muskets. A total of 33,572 were fabricated at Springfield from July through December 1861. The only barrel date is the one on top of the breech, which hopefully you can find a trace of. The production date and the acceptance by the US could be different. Moller, American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol III.
If it's been cleaned to the point that the marks are removed it will not add any value to the gun.

 

[PoconoSteve]

Thanks for the information. Breech has been cleaned and has moddling, so date does not show visible. Proof marks
are visible as is lock date, eagle. I will be purchasing some references as recommended. Thanks for your help.

 

[tbuckley]

Welcome from eastern Ohio.

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome From THE Heart Of Dixie. I see you got your answer. Be sure to check out our annual get together "CWT Invades Vicksburg".

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/cw...tour-the-official-thread.155709/#post-2006411

 

[Larryh86GT]

Welcome from WNY

 

[Kip124thNY]

Welcome from New Jersey.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

"Thoughts on firing at some point. Folks say it devalues..others indicate that it shows that it is
fully firing and functioning weapon, and can increase or maintain its value." This is the nonsense heard on "Pawn Stars", you know how it goes "If we take this gun out and shoot it, then is worth more money!" IMHO, they do some really stupid stuff on that show! Because your musket has already been over cleaned firing it won't hurt it a bit. But, doing that is a bit more involved. Unless you have the talents to determine if it is still safe to be fired, or know someone who can do that for you, I would strongly recommend against just going out and firing it, even with a blank charge.

 

[Ricochet]

Good to hear about your 1861 dated Springfield rifle musket. I have one myself, and feel very fortunate that I can be the caretaker of it for awhile. I hope you can post some photos of yours.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome from South Florida and the Reenactors Forum

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy your new prize

 

[Saint Jude]

Welcome! Glad you decided to join us.

 

[Seduzal]

Welcome to CWT from the Smoky Mountain side of North Carolina.

 

[PoconoSteve]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes to the group! Much appreciated and will be
great to learn more about this hobby. Great folks, thanks again....

 

[PoconoSteve]

"Thoughts on firing at some point. Folks say it devalues..others indicate that it shows that it is
fully firing and functioning weapon, and can increase or maintain its value." This is the nonsense heard on "Pawn Stars", you know how it goes "If we take this gun out and shoot it, then is worth more money!" IMHO, they do some really stupid stuff on that show! Because your musket has already been over cleaned firing it won't hurt it a bit. But, doing that is a bit more involved. Unless you have the talents to determine if it is still safe to be fired, or know someone who can do that for you, I would strongly recommend against just going out and firing it, even with a blank charge.

Yes, this is what I've seen on Pawn Stars. They fire everything and I suppose the arms must be checked out off camera by a gunsmith I would think. I agree that I would not test fire without having it checked out. I found a local 'real' gunsmith who I will have check out fully before any kind of live fire. Thanks for the advice.

 

[AnnaLee]

Hello and welcome from Appomattox, Va.