Springfield C Shaped hammer knurling question.

[JakeJames95]

Did Springfield ever use the shield shaped hammer knurling on their rifles? I've seen some Springfield rifle with this type on occasion. But always believed that they were replaced hammers from another contactor.

 

[RSMorris]

I have wondered bout this myself. I have 12 M1863 hammers on guns and 5 "loose" hammers. Most of them have the exact same shield. But there is one that is just cross-hatching from side to side and two that have cross-hatching in a somewhat shape of a shield. I have to believe with Springfield's approach to uniformity the "odd" shields are contractors. Your hammer is a M1861.