Thoughts/Help with restoring Springfield 1864

[obal7]

Hi ,
I recently pulled this CW Springfield 1864 Rifle from an old estate in Ijamsville, Maryland. This old boy has seen better days. I am welcoming any thoughts about any ideas and thoughts as to if this can be restored, in any capacity? Or if it is worth being restored at all. It is definitely (and was ) a wall hanger when I found it.
Thanks.

 

[JOHN42768]

The metal appears good except for the front swivel which you could straighten. The wood needs a decent burial I'm afraid. I would only clean sparingly and keep your eyes open for a stock, maybe.

 

[WJC]

Thanks for sharing!
A lot depends on what you want to do with it.
Looks like it is complete. You might start by disassembling and LIGHTLY cleaning just to see how everything is and get it working mechanically. The stock seems to be the major concern. Even though it's beaten up, it may still be salvageable: I've seen worse resurrected. Other options include leaving it 'as is' and buying a replacement stock.

 

[mofederal]

I would keep the stock, and I would save the metal, clean it up some and be on the lookout for a stock.

 

[UCVRelics]

I always like to leave things as found. As is its a been there done that musket, restored it WAS a been there done that musket. It all depends on what you feel like doing. Even restored I don't believe you will be able to get it into the shape it should be in.

 

[vmicraig]

As noted above, IMO I think your best bet would be to find another stock - the metal looks good, but could use some light cleaning with some Kramers. I think the termites have thoroughly cleaned the stock. Would you be against using a new stock with the original metal and perhaps aging the stock appropriately while not trying to hide the fact that the stock is a replacement?

 

[UCVRelics]

 

[obal7]

Thank you all for you observations, thoughts and ideas. At this point, I don't know what I want to do with it. I do like the been there look. And wondering, how it got that way. I could look for another stock. But I would have to think about it.

 

[vmicraig]

Just an example to show you that they are indeed out there in original form and not that expensive. Good luck on your choice!

http://www.ssfirearms.com/proddetail.asp?prod=W16360

 

[ikesdad]

VMI, that link is for an 1861 Special.

 

[Story]

Hi ,
I recently pulled this CW Springfield 1864 Rifle from an old estate in Ijamsville, Maryland. This old boy has seen better days. I am welcoming any thoughts about any ideas and thoughts as to if this can be restored, in any capacity? Or if it is worth being restored at all.

Thank you all for you observations, thoughts and ideas. At this point, I don't know what I want to do with it. I do like the been there look. And wondering, how it got that way. I could look for another stock. But I would have to think about it.

1. As mentioned, the metal is ok - just needs to be stabalized against rust.

2. That particular stock is probably restorable, but only by someone with experience, time & patience (for example http://www.stockfixrs.com/repair_methods.htm ). The candle would not be worth the game there, in your case.

3. What your stock offers is the all-important foreend. From photos 5 & 6, it appears good down to the lower barrel band.
This foreend could be spliced to a 'sporterized', cut-down M1864 stock (where the stock and forend are jointed under that lower barrel band so that it's not visible).

Sporterized M1864 stocks can be had reasonably on ebay, if you're patient.

 

[obal7]

I'm close to Gettysburg. I may bring it there and see if it may be cost effective to get it restored there. In the past I met with Dave Booz, who restored, beautifully, my Harpers Ferry musket.

 

[vmicraig]

VMI, that link is for an 1861 Special.

Yes, but as I noted, it's just an example of what's out there and easily findable

 

[ikesdad]

I understand now. Apologies, fellow Yellowhammer.

 

[vmicraig]

I understand now. Apologies, fellow Yellowhammer.

I can only claim temporary Yellowhammer status due to the wife's job LOL - but I still have to claim Virginian before all else! The Old Dominion owns my heart and my wallet, second only to family!

 

[originalrebelyell]

It looks restorable but it will take somebody that knows what they are doing to make it look right. You night also be able to find a original stock. Either way it is restorable .

 

[ewmail15]

What about this stock? Maybe 1864 barrel and hammer won't match up, maybe someone here will verify.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Springfield-...m=153063382891&_trksid=p2056116.c100935.m2460

 

[Badgercwcollector]

I am not a CW gun guy although I have 2 myself. Might it be better to preserve this gun as best as possible and hang this above the fireplace {as is} and put the money toward a better example. This way the gun's history whether known or not stays with the gun . Again my humble opinion .

 

[vmicraig]

What about this stock? Maybe 1864 barrel and hammer won't match up, maybe someone here will verify.

Im not sure about that stock, but keep an eye out on S&S firearms, they carry quite a few originals and often get in new inventory. They also have retros on hand if you decide to do that.

 

[gary]

I. For Conservation do the following:

For the metal: Coconut oil and a nickel to remove any dirt and fouling. It will not harm the patina. Why Coconut oil? Frog Lube is essentially coconut oil with a green coloring agent, scent and if liquid, an anticoagulant. Coconut oil is cheaper (make sure it is organic and with no additives). Then treat the metal with Renaissance Wax. Apply and rub in.

If you disassemble it, make sure you hollow grind screwdrivers to fit the screws so you don't bugger any up.

For the wood: Toothbrush. Dry. Brush gently to remove any dirt. If you must use water, use only distilled water and a clean cotton cloth. You don't want to swell the wood so dampen, don't soak the rag. After everything is dried, apply Renaissance Wax to preserve. That wax was developed by the British Museum and used by museum conservators worldwide. It is PH neutral, microcrystalline and penetrates the pores of the metal.

II. For Restoration, follow the above instructions for the metal. Then buy a new stock and mount the metal on that. Set the old stock aside after you treat it. You can rebuild the old stock, but you have to find wood with matching grain and then cut it, shave it, file it to fit the cleaned out crack. I'd use clear liquid acraglass to bond the pieces together and then use a scraper to remove the excess. The refinish the entire stock (I'm loathe to do that to an original but it's yours to do as you please).