Model 1863 Springfield Rifle Musket Identification carved on stock! 7 “Kill Marks” on Comb of Stock

Description

Model 1863 Springfield Rifle Musket
Identification carved on stock!
7 “Kill Marks” on Comb of Stock

This .58 caliber Model 1863 Springfield rifled musket represents the principal infantry arm issued to Union soldiers during the final years of the Civil War.

The lock is marked with the Federal eagle and “U.S. / Springfield” beneath the bolster, with the date 1864 stamped at the rear of the lock plate. Steel components exhibit a dark brown patina, with some minor pitting present on the barrel flats at the breech.

This example is the variant utilizing barrel band retaining springs, a feature associated with the later pattern of the Model 1863 musket.
The eagle on the bolster remains partially visible, though softened from pitting and long service. Inspector stamps formerly present on the left rear barrel flat are no longer visible due to surface wear.

The “U” stamps remain visible on the rear two barrel bands, though absent on the front band. The sights and sling swivels remain intact, though the ramrod is missing. The rifling grooves remain clearly visible, with only minor internal pitting.

An oval inspector’s cartouche remains visible on the left side of the stock, and the “US” stamping on the top of the butt plate is faintly visible.
The left side of the buttstock bears carved soldier identification markings reading “K.H. / Comp B / 46 Regt.” Seven notches are carved along the comb of the stock, likely representing service marks or personal tallies. The right side of the stock bears the carved initials “TXHWP.”

Inventory Number: RIF 338