[KatieVT]

I am researching a Springfield 1864 musket and it's accouterments and would like any information that can be given. I've posted a lot of pictures online at http://www.smithfamilyfarmvt.com/guns/CivilWar/.

Its lockplate is marked Providence Tools Co., which was one of the sub-contractors for Springfield in the Civil War. It is a Model 1864. There is no visible serial number. It is missing one of the three bands and its ramrod, but is otherwise in great shape. My great-uncle also had it reblued a number of years ago.

When my great-uncle acquired the gun many years ago, it came with a U.S. Army belt, cartridge box, and bayonet with scabbard. There is also a holster, but we believe that it was not Army issued (at least not Civil War). The cartridge box is stamped "L.H. Norfolk / U.S. / ORD DEPT / SUB INSPECTOR" . There is a ink-stamped "26" on the belt. A name is written on the belt as well. It is "W_ Atkins" - I am trying to determine if it is likely that it is the soldier's name or a later owner.

The story behind this gun is that the American Legion in Dorset, VT, was given a number these Springfields to use in parades. They eventually gave the lot of them to a member, who gave one to my great uncle. He says that his gun actually had a powder charge in it when he got it!

[Jim K]

Congratulations on a really nice inheritance.

There is no Model 1864; that musket is a Model 1861, made in 1864. Providence Tool Company made 70,000 Model 1861 rifle muskets from 1862 to 1865, the majority of which the government found were class one, and paid for at the full $20 price. (Lesser class, with minor defects, were accepted at lower prices.) They were one of the major contractors for the rifle musket.

Rifle muskets were not serial numbered. Too bad about the bluing, but maybe it could be removed without harming the gun. Civil War rifle muskets were finished "armory bright" that is to say the iron was not blued or colored, just polished. (They didn't worry much about troop concealment in those days, and the polished weapons were felt to give a good "military show."

For a band, check www.ssfirearms.com . The maker shouldn't matter, the parts were pretty much interchangeable and even a repro part should fit or be close enough to be fitted.

Jim