A couple of questions on a Springfield 1861

[115grfmj]

I just got an 1861 springfield handed down to me (At least thats what I was told). It was passed down to me from my father and his father before him, so I have no idea where it came from. The rifle is about 80%. I'm trying
to determine whether it's the real deal or not. The specifics: The lock is stamped springfield 1839. The barrel is stamped 1862 top dead center about 2 inches from the breech. It also has h&p stamped on the bolster right below the nipple. The barrel bands have a spring retainer to them, and it appears that some time in the past enough of the barrel was shorted that the bayonet lug is no longer there. The major issue that
had me questioning it's authenticity, is the fact that I can't make out
any rifling in the bore. Given the specifics is there a chance that it's
real? Are there any other things I should be looking for? Admitedly,
I am not an expert on firearms from this period.

 

[Jim Watson]

I am not an expert, either, but me and my Flayderman will do what we can until a real expert comes along.

An 1839 lockplate, 1862 on the barrel, and H&P on the bolster say that what you have is an 1835/1840 flintlock musket converted to percussion by Hewes & Phillips of Newark, New Jersey on contract for the U.S. to supplement new production of rifle muskets.

Most were rifled during the conversion process, but not all.
Does yours have a rear sight? If so it was probably rifled and may have been reamed smooth again. A lot of C.W. surplus rifles were converted to cheap shotguns as breechloaders were taking over. Or it might have just been worn, shot, or rusted out. A borescope might show rifling remaining down the bore but with the muzzle end worn smooth by the iron ramrod. I have an 1861 Springfield with no sign of rifling, just from age and neglect.

Does yours have a front sight? I don't have a full length picture of a H&P conversion, but a lot of C.W. rifles and muskets retained the bayonet by the sight base and did not have a separate lug. If not, that would be a sign yours had been shortened. The original barrel length of the flintlocks converted was 42 inches.

 

[intimidator]

Watson's reply mades me think he was the original Watson that accompanied Sherlock Holmes. I can only add that I have had a number of CW rifles as well as others of that time period and I could not detect any rifling remaining. Relax I think you have a winner.......