Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS 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. ********** 
Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS 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 
Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS 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. ________________________________ 
Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS 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”. _______________________________ 
Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS 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. ________________________________________________ 
Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS 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. ______________________________________ US BAYONET M1855 .577” caliber Engraving steel is more difficult than carving wood. This decorated bayonet is unusual. _______________________________ 
Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS 
Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS Manufactured at Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1853, it is the standard Model 1842 single-shot percussion muzzleloader.
Markings: _____________________________________ 
Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS Manufactured in Birmingham, England in 1862. Markings: ____________________________________ 
Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1862.
Markings: _________________________________ 
Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1862. Markings: ____________________________________ Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. in 1861. Markings: |
Last updated: February 26, 2015