Real or Faux? Springfield 1862.

[RichiefromOZ]

G'day all from Australia,

Loving the forums, thanks for having me. I am looking for some assistance in trying to work out if this SPRINGFIELD 1862 that is for sale in Australia is the real deal or a fake. I am struggling to find any professionals in Aust. that can help me out (there isn't a big antique firearm market here, as well as people who are experts in the field). As this will be a gift for my father I am doing all I can to make sure it is a genuine piece. Any assistance you guys can provide, or even a point in the right direction to find more information would be greatly appreciated. I've also purchased some books in the mean time, but if you guys have any book recommendations for American Civil War firearms research that would be amazing.

I'll post the link for the ad and post what photos I was able to get from the dealer here. Thank you all!

 

[Lanyard Puller]

The description is accurate and describes the item well, but does not mention the condition. It is "real" and shows it's age, but no abuse.. Don't know the market in Oz. but at around US $1800 {converted) it seems a bit high for USA but must be far more rare where you are.

 

[rob63]

It certainly looks real to me. The clean-out screw has been replaced with something that isn't correct. The stock appears to have been sanded and oiled with something that makes it too shiny compared to the original finish, although that may just be oil that was put on it by the seller for the photos. People do that sometimes. I have no knowledge about the collector market in Australia so I can't tell you whether you could find something better or what a reasonable price would be. I can tell you that it appears to be real, is complete, and is in relatively average condition with the caveats noted. 1862 dated examples are seldom in great shape anyway.

edit: looks like Lanyard Puller answered while I was typing

 

[johan_steele]

I'm going to agree with the other comments made by our esteemed membership. She's the real deal. After the ACW these went everywhere on the surplus market and I'm not surprised to see one in Australia.

 

[UCVRelics]

I concur looks right as rain to me and I'm like LP a little high on the price.

 

[JOHN42768]

Agree with comments with one more thought. I don't know what is involved in importing an antique firearm or cost involved not to mention shipping charges and risk of damage in transit. Seems to me, I would look closer to home. I cringe having something shipped within state.

 

[James N.]

I agree and have a comment about the shiny finish on the stock. I was once advised by the gunsmith at my favorite antique gun shop - who certainly should've known better! - to use a product called Tru-Oil on the stock of one I had purchased. DON'T - despite its name, Tru-Oil isn't an oil at all (though it goes on like one) but rather a thin varnish! That stuff left a glossy coat much like this on my rifle - something the originals never had when they were new; military arms were only given an oil finish at the armory. I wound up having to remove it in order to use it for reenacting.

 

[Booner]

To me, it looks like whatever they put on the stock, they also covered the metal with it, perhaps thinking that it would protect it from rusting?

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome from South Florida and the Reenactors Forum, a very nice gift!

 

[unicornforge]

I found my reproduction official manual for the 1855 Springfield , it says that applying Linseed oil is best. Carefully applied multiple coats of Linseed oil , as stated in the manual, will make a rifle stock look shiny. The page from the manual is attached. If in doubt, refer to original sources.

 

[johan_steele]

Here's what she might have looked like new.

 

[RichiefromOZ]

Thank you all for the speedily replies and help. Super excited. Looking forward to receiving some reference books before I do make a purchase.

The description is accurate and describes the item well, but does not mention the condition. It is "real" and shows it's age, but no abuse.. Don't know the market in Oz. but at around US $1800 {converted) it seems a bit high for USA but must be far more rare where you are.

Unfortunately there isn't selection of antique firearms in general in OZ, especially ACW, so we do pay a premium it seems.

Agree with comments with one more thought. I don't know what is involved in importing an antique firearm or cost involved not to mention shipping charges and risk of damage in transit. Seems to me, I would look closer to home. I cringe having something shipped within state.

Amazingly I finally found am importer in Oz who provides this service. This has really thrown a spanner in the works now as it opens up so many more options. For example..

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/874362100

From what I've researched so far seems the real deal, and a reputable seller on a reputable auction site. This would work out just a touch more in price, but its a rarer find and in better condition. Decisions.

Can anyone recommend any reputable US sites for genuine antique firearms?

 

[RichiefromOZ]

Here's what she might have looked like new.

View attachment 367124View attachment 367125

Amazing. Thanks for the photos.

In general what are the main things to look out for with this firearm? Or what to look out for with all antique firearms in general?

 

[OldSarge79]

Can anyone recommend any reputable US sites for genuine antique firearms?

I think most of us would agree that the dealer to start with would be College Hill Arsenal. Excellent reputation, quality inventory, very knowlegable and good to work with.

College Hill Arsenal

College HIll Arsenal provides access to high quality Militaria collectibles.

collegehillarsenal.com

Another you might look at is CS Arms.

CSArms.com

International Military Antiques and Lodgewood are also good.

There are other good dealers, as well as a few I would not recommend.

As for reference books, I'm rather partial to Flayderman's Guide. Mine is decades old but still timeless. It covers most American military firearms, in some, but not extensive, detail.
Others will certainly be able to suggest more reference books.

 

[RichiefromOZ]

Guys if I could be a pain.....

I can't stop looking at this rifle. I am in love with it. Can I please get your opinions on it?

GunBroker.com - Error

 

[Lanyard Puller]

You're going to run into problems with US dealers shipping firearms overseas {most will not}, just a few being US/OZ customs, import duties, proof of value, insurance, shipping fees, etc.

I agree on Flaydermans Guide, 9th edition... the values he assigned are out of date, but as a reference it's the best value around, without having to buy specific books on each type you're interested in.

 

[RichiefromOZ]

You're going to run into problems with US dealers shipping firearms overseas {most will not}, just a few being US/OZ customs, import duties, proof of value, insurance, shipping fees, etc.

I agree on Flaydermans Guide, 9th edition... the values he assigned are out of date, but as a reference it's the best value around, without having to buy specific books on each type you're interested in.

Thanks for the reply guys. Just purchased the book from the US... now I wait patiently for all of them to arrive.

As for importing, I found an importer in Australia who specializes in importing firearms from the US. The fees are quite high but works out to be just little more expensive than the long arms I can find here. In saying that the US options seem to be in way better nick than the ones here in OZ. I might take the punt and give it a go.

 

[Peace Society]

For clarification, when you say OZ, are you in Australia? I think of OZ as the OZarks where I live, a hilly country not far from Kansas, to where a tornado could not carry anyone from there, since tornadoes in KS tend to run SW to NE. : )

 

[James N.]

Thank you all for the speedily replies and help. Super excited. Looking forward to receiving some reference books before I do make a purchase...

Can anyone recommend any reputable US sites for genuine antique firearms?

Here's the website of my particular favorite, located in Dallas, Texas:

Jackson Armory

 

[johan_steele]

Amazing. Thanks for the photos.

In general what are the main things to look out for with this firearm? Or what to look out for with all antique firearms in general?

I look at the condition of the wood, metal and bore. If small parts are missing or damaged. I then usually make the decision if it's worth my wife bludgeoning me to death with it.
For me their is a beauty to the wood and steel of antique firearms that is missing from the plastic of modern arms.