Springfield 1861?

[1867crete]

It could have been painted black by a GAR post for functions or perhaps when a member passed away they had a special ritual with a "black musket"

 

[Gold]

Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veteran's organization.

OK thanks; sorry that I asked it .I still need to learn a lot about your history.

 

[tbuckley]

OK thanks; sorry that I asked it .I still need to learn a lot about your history.

No need to be sorry. That was a good question.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome @Gold from South Florida. No dumb questions around here so ask away and enjoy the Springfield.

 

[MC44]

It would have been painted post wAr for some reason or another.

I was afraid that was the case...I love how they look without paint...seems sacrilegious. But for a functional purpose, like a matte finish to hide glare? Might have been a good idea. But I know I have not read anything that mentions it... just that they had their shiny barrels.

 

[johan_steele]

I was afraid that was the case...I love how they look without paint...seems sacrilegious. But for a functional purpose, like a matte finish to hide glare? Might have been a good idea. But I know I have not read anything that mentions it... just that they had their shiny barrels.

While in US or CS service they were kept in the bright. No M1861 were painted or blued while in military possession. Afterwards is anyone's guess.

 

[UCVRelics]

Nice one even with the black paint. Thanks for posting. It can be restored if you have the mind to.

 

[JohnW.]

Doesn't black powder get stronger with age provided it is kept dry????

 

[Banjo Pete]

The ramrod alone, if original and complete (full length with screw threads at the small end) is worth some $. Nice gift, enjoy !

 

[Noonanda]

Doesn't black powder get stronger with age provided it is kept dry????

it gets unstable (not really the right word, its not like dynamite), due to hydroscopic action where it might get damp then dry out over and over.

To see if the rifle is loaded, take the ramrod and run it down the barrel. if it goes almost all the way down your good. I cant remember the length that would still be sticking out, but you can set the ramrod next to the barrel to get a rough measurement (compare it to the point where the percussion cap nipple enters the barrel

 

[James N.]

This is one basic model Civil War rifle I've never owned an example of (though I had a similar M.1861 Special Model) - you were lucky you were able to obtain it.

 

[Gold]

It's likely YOUR history too, unless you're a recent immigrant.

I'm sorry but i am from Belgium(Europe).With a lot of respect for your history!
I hope I have not offended anyone.
However, I need to rely on a translation site to write my text.

 

[Gold]

it gets unstable (not really the right word, its not like dynamite), due to hydroscopic action where it might get damp then dry out over and over.

To see if the rifle is loaded, take the ramrod and run it down the barrel. if it goes almost all the way down your good. I cant remember the length that would still be sticking out, but you can set the ramrod next to the barrel to get a rough measurement (compare it to the point where the percussion cap nipple enters the barrel

I have just seen that the ramrod is not complete

 

[James N.]

I'm sorry but i am from Belgium.

I'm sorry too - I only now saw your post in the other thread; you're doing very well so far! (I removed my comment above.) I was lucky enough to get to visit your country once on a trip to Paris to visit the Musee d' l'Armee and took the train to Bruxelles so I could also see Waterloo, Quatre Bras, and Napoleon's windmill at Ligny. When my rented Fiat broke down at the latter, my French was WAY worse than your English as I tried to get it fixed!

 

[Gold]

View attachment 164814

I'm sorry too - I only now saw your post in the other thread; you're doing very well so far! (I removed my comment above.) I was lucky enough to get to visit your country once on a trip to Paris to visit the Musee d' l'Armee and took the train to Bruxelles so I could also see Waterloo, Quatre Bras, and Napoleon's windmill at Ligny. When my rented Fiat broke down at the latter, my French was WAY worse than your English as I tried to get it fixed!

Here in my birthplace: The Americans fought here in the First World War
And for this I'm still grateful to those people who gave their lives here for our freedom

 

[James N.]

Here in my birthplace: The Americans fought here in the First World War
And for this I'm still grateful to those people who gave their lives here for our freedom

I've only recently been studying the details of the First World War/La Grand Guerre since this year marks the Centennial of our involvement - now I'd seriously like to visit the sites of the Western Front like Cantigny, Mons, Verdun, etc., etc.

 

[mofederal]

All questions are good questions, don't be afraid to ask questions. I don't know so much about your country, and I would have to ask questions also. Welcome to this talk forum, any question you have I would be happy to answer. I know others would also.

 

[Stony]

Can't you remove the paint and restore the metal?

 

[NH Civil War Gal]

This is fascinating. Was this rifle in Belgium when you acquired it? If it was there, I wonder how it wandered over from the USA to Belgium.

Why oh why can't I find these things at yard sales or have friends that don't want them anymore!

 

[Jobe Holiday]

The musket probably never left the continent!
J.