Real or Faux? Sprinfield Model 1861 all original?

[desertf150]

Hello all! I have an opportunity to pick up this Springfield 1861 for my collection. I pretty much focus swords, sabres, documents, and confederate currency, but I am looking to expand to firearms as well. With that said, I am still learning and dont know too much about this 1861. Does it appear all original? Do you see any red flags? What would you place the approximate value at? Any input anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. I have a video of it too, but unfortunately it will not let me attach it. I can email you the video if you would like. Thanks!

 

[JOHN42768]

Very nice looking

 

[Dbackfed29]

That looks like a Miroku (Japanese) m1861 based on the eagle and font.

 

[MarkTK36thIL]

You can see the serial numbers on the left flat of the barrel. It's seen better days. How's the bore? Tell the seller I'd offer $500 shipped for it.

 

[johan_steele]

Poorly cared for Navy Arms or Miroku. It is not an original by any stretch. That said they're a decent repro so long as the bore is still good. $500 has been mentioned $700 max because repops are hard to come by of late.

 

[bayonet]

Well the first part of your post indicates you did not buy it yet, and should not unless you want a reproduction. The first pics I thought the wood stock is in too good a shape compared to the metal. Then the serial # was a dead give away. Back in the day some of us had the serial # removed and stamped on the bottom of the barrel by Zimmerman at events. Please tell us some character is not trying to sell you that claiming it's an original?

 

[Conquerordie]

That is a 100% original Miruko. Like mentioned serial number is a dead giveaway. Since they are removed sometimes, I always look at how the sling swivel on the trigger guard is attached. Should be a pin, screws for repros

 

[JackADriscoll]

Is it being represented as original? If the bore was good I'd buy it as a shooter but good reproductions and originals are getting strangely close in price

 

[desertf150]

Well the first part of your post indicates you did not buy it yet, and should not unless you want a reproduction. The first pics I thought the wood stock is in too good a shape compared to the metal. Then the serial # was a dead give away. Back in the day some of us had the serial # removed and stamped on the bottom of the barrel by Zimmerman at events. Please tell us some character is not trying to sell you that claiming it's an original?

Thank you very much, I appreciate your input on this.Yes, he claims it is original but says hes not a collector and doesn't know much about it himself.

 

[desertf150]

Is it being represented as original? If the bore was good I'd buy it as a shooter but good reproductions and originals are getting strangely close in price

Yes, the seller is claiming that its original, but says hes not a collector and doesn't know much about it himself.

 

[desertf150]

Poorly cared for Navy Arms or Miroku. It is not an original by any stretch. That said they're a decent repro so long as the bore is still good. $500 has been mentioned $700 max because repops are hard to come by of late.

Thank you!

 

[bayonet]

Thank you very much, I appreciate your input on this.Yes, he claims it is original but says hes not a collector and doesn't know much about it himself.

Probably hoping you don't know much about it either so he can take you for a ride of several hundred dollars more. If he don't know than he should not say it's so!

 

[Lead Snowstorm]

The original eagle for reference. Note the wing tips in particular.

There are also differences in the date stamp, most prominently the serifs of the "1" and the spacing between the numbers. However, those are much more subtle than the eagle.

 

[desertf150]

The original eagle for reference. Note the wing tips in particular.

View attachment 558287

There are also differences in the date stamp, most prominently the serifs of the "1" and the spacing between the numbers. However, those are much more subtle than the eagle.

Thank you.