From MAEMT86, I refilled the Civil War rifled musket hole in my collection from last year. This is a contract M63 Springfield musket made for Massachusetts by S. Norris and W.T. Clement (RI probably - Norris was from RI). They made only 13,000 from 1863 to 1864. 2,000 were M61 dated 1863, and 11,000 M63 dated 1864. This one is a crossover; a M63 dated 1863. For those not in the know a M63 differed from the M61 in the hammer (no longer the obsolete M55 Maynard tape primer style), elimination of the side bolster clean out screw, elimination of the barrel bands in favor of Enfield style screw bands, and a straight cleaning rod. Excellent condition with a superior bore - should be a hoot to shoot once we can find the range again. Sling looks to be a M95 Steyr type.
Front band was loose due to wood shrinkage. I cut two slivers from a bore patch, .5 x 1.5 cm, loosened the band, poked them underneath on either side, and tightened the band up. Worked great.
While rare, contract muskets are often found in great condition. For probable tolerance standards, contract muskets were only issued to second line troops. Front line muskets were only U.S. Springfield or British Enfield muskets.
I'll get a reproduction one and an original bayonet.
t
Front band was loose due to wood shrinkage. I cut two slivers from a bore patch, .5 x 1.5 cm, loosened the band, poked them underneath on either side, and tightened the band up. Worked great.
While rare, contract muskets are often found in great condition. For probable tolerance standards, contract muskets were only issued to second line troops. Front line muskets were only U.S. Springfield or British Enfield muskets.
I'll get a reproduction one and an original bayonet.
t
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