.58 caliber. 40" round barrel secured by three flat, spring-retained barrel bands. NSN. Bright finish, iron furniture, walnut stock. Single shot percussion muzzleloading rifle musket. Lock marked with a {Spread-Winged Eagle}/U.S. forward of the hammer and in two horizontal lines U.S./SPRINGFIELD and dated 1862 at the tail. Breech of barrel dated 1862 as well. Upper left breech with typical V/P/{Eagle Head}. Counterpane of stock with two clear inspection cartouches, the first a script FWS of Springfield inspector Frederick W Sanderson and then the script ESA of Springfield's Master Armorer Erskine S Allin. Barrel with correct 1861 pattern 3-leaf rear sight, musket style front sight and bayonet lug. Retains both slings swivels and an original swelled-shank, tulip head ramrod that is full-length with good threads. The most desirable representative US used military long arms from the American Civil War is a Springfield produced US Model 1861 Rifle Musket. 1861 and 1862 dated examples that are correct and in good condition are quite scarce as these guns saw the brunt of the fighting for the majority of the war. Finding one of these guns in very good to fine condition is even more difficult. This 1862 dated example is correct in every way and remains in very nice condition, making it a fine addition to any serious collection of Civil War small arms.