.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 with M1861 pattern three leaf rear sight, Barleycorn combination front sight and socket bayonet lug, sling swivels and a swelled-shank tulip head ramrod. 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 a single crisp, clear inspection cartouche, the script ESA of Springfield's Master Armorer Erskine S Allin. 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 all 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 such fine condition as this example is even more difficult. This 1862 dated example is correct in every way and remains in fine, crisp condition, making it a wonderful addition to any serious collection of Civil War small arms.{ANTIQUE}