Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

CASE 48

Civil War infantrymen, just as soldiers of all wars, ignored regulations and decorated or modified their equipment to reflect their tastes and inclinations. Flags and drums were emblazoned with the names of battles and campaigns. Most common, however, was the individualization of the basic infantryman’s weapon, the musket or rifle. While the quality of ornamentation varies, each is unique and interesting as a reflection of the life of the soldier.

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Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalogue number SPAR 5516

CONFEDERATE RIFLE-MUSKET RICHMOND .58 caliber Manufactured by Richmond Armory, Richmond, Va. in 1863 - Richmond Armory reconditioned arm built from captured parts, with bayonet, 1863. The star on the barrel indicates this is a Richmond Armory reconditioned barrel. On left side of stock, the name “W. R. Smith” engraved on an ivory plate, recorded in old Army records as a piano key from a Southern piano.

Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalogue number SPAR 1521

U.S. RIFLE-MUSKET MODEL 1861 .58 caliber  Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1862.

Painted on left side of the butt stock is GREEN BRIAR. BUFFALO MOUNTAIN/SHILO CORNITH MURFREESDRO. CHICKAMAUGA/LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN. MISSION RIDGE.

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Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalogue number SPAR 2442

BRITISH RIFLE MUSKET PATTERN 1853 P53 ENFIELD .577 caliber

Manufactured in Birmingham, England in 1862, this rifle musket has engraved on the butt stock, “Henry Johnson, Co. E. 91st Regt, Ill. Vols. 1864”.

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Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalogue number SPAR 2412

U.S. RIFLE MUSKET MODEL 1861 PERCUSSION .58 caliber         Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1861. The left side of the butt has been carved and inlaid with red sealing wax - a shield with flanking scrolls surmounting the initials A.D.J.C. The top of the wrist behind the barrel tang is similarly carved and inlaid with red wax in a fancy scroll design.

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Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalogue number SPAR 1718

SHARPS RIFLE NEW MODEL 1863 .52 caliber, serial number C33934 This modified Sharps New Model 1863 rifle has been half-stocked and has one barrel band remaining. The sights are removed and replaced with a hooded cross hair front sight and peep tang sight. The entire wooden portion of the weapon is profusely inlaid with German silver and mother of pearl with various designs. Many of the design are Union Army Corps badges, and each is numbered. There are seven major inlays on the forearm and 40 major inlays on the butt stock.

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US BAYONET M1855 .577” caliber                     Engraving steel is more difficult than carving wood. This decorated bayonet is unusual.

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Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalogue number SPAR 1522

US MUSKET M1842 .69 caliber

Manufactured at Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1853, it is the standard Model 1842 single-shot percussion muzzleloader.

Markings:
Lock: SPRING/FIELD 1853 behind hammer. Eagle US forward of hammer.
Barrel: V P and Eaglehead proofs and dated 1849 on tang.
Hammer: L.
Stock: H.F. CO. H 33RD REGT. N.Y.S. VOLLS. on right side of butt. 6-pointed star carved into butt on left side. DPM carved into wood forward of the triggerguard.
Buttplate: US.

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Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalogue number 705

British RIFLE MUSKET P1853

Manufactured in Birmingham, England in 1862.

Markings:
Top of barrel: Crown GP. Crown V 25.
Bottom of barrel: 86, JN, 44, 86, HP, P&H, 25, DW, 14.4.
Lock: 1862 Tower in front of hammer. Crown rear of hammer. W. SCOTT & SON, 49.
Stock: J. NEAL under triggerguard. Right side of butt: J.S. MCCONNELL. CO. A. 15TH KY. INF. PERRY VILLE. STONE RIVER. CHICAMAUGA AND SHERMANS CAMPAIGN TO ATLANTA.
Left side opposite lockplate: IXL neatly carved in.

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Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalogue number SPAR 2407

US RIFLE MUSKET M1861

Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1862.

Markings:
Lock: 1862 behind hammer. Eagle U.S. SPRINGFIELD in front of hammer.
Barrel: V P Eaglehead barely legible.
Bands: U.
Buttplate: US removed from buttplate.
Stock: Carved into the butt and then filled in with what appears to be red sealing wax: THE AVENGER OF EMMEY SUMMERS WHO WAS MURDERED BY THE HESSIANS IN ST. LOUIS MAY 10, '61 C.S.A. Carved into the right side of the stock forward of the lock and also filled in with red sealing wax - ALICE. Carved into the left side of the stock and opposite the lock - TAT.

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Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalogue number SPAR 1523

US RIFLE MUSKET M1861

Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1862.

Markings:
Lock: 1862 behind hammer.
Barrel: 1861 date and V P proofs are faint.
Bands: U.
Stock: C.E. MC.D. O.S. CO. G. 2ND REGT. Left side: P.H.F. (letters formed by brass shoe nails). 6-pointed star on left side of stock in brass nails, and forward of triggerguard in red paint. T is stamped in stock between lock screws on left side.

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US RIFLE MUSKET M1861

Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1861.

Markings:
Lock: 1864 rear of hammer. Eagle. U.S./SPRINGFIELD forward of hammer.
Barrel: V P Eaglehead. 1864. J.J.R.
Stock: J.C. WALKER nicely carved into right side of butt.
Bands: U.
Lower band: W on bottom.
Triggerguard plate: J.