Dixie RelicsDixie RelicsAn very good example of the standard Civil War U.S. Infantry long arm, the .58 caliber Springfield rifle musket. All metal is in the bright. Markings are crisp and legible. The wood has a good finish, surface, color and has sharp edges along the barrel and ramrod channels, the lock platform, a tight fit to all the metal, and also shows two light, barely visible ink inspector’s cartouche on the left side flat. Rifle has been lightly cleaned in its past. The lock is clearly and crisply marked with an 1863 behind the hammer, and U.S. Springfield on lock forward of the hammer, with a Springfield eagle on the plate between the marking and the hammer and on the bolster as well. The eagles, like the lettering, are crisp and sharp.. The buttplate tang has a crisp U.S. stamp as well. Both sights are in place. The rear sight has both sight leaves in place, which also show some thin original blue. The stock has just a couple of minimal handling marks on the comb and wrist. The wood tightly fits the metal, with no cracks or shrinkage gaps. One light, but very visible, inspector’s ink cartouches are visible on the left flat, an indicator of very light use. All bands, springs, swivels, etc., are in place, in excellent condition and matching color. Various changes were introduced in the infantry .58 caliber rifle of musket length during the war. Some were based upon the 1861 "special model” produced by Colt and a few other contractors, such as the use of an S-shaped beveled hammer, bolster without cleanout screw, etc., which resulted in the Model 1863 Type-I. This is the 1863 Type-I,. The rear sight retains two sight leaves, eventually changed to one, and the ramrod is the early configuration with a tulip head, eventually changed to a knurled and slotted form. The bore is bright with good rifling. This would look great in a long arm or Civil War infantry display. May 1864 marked the onset of continuous fighting in the eastern and western theaters as Grant and Sherman struggled to bring the war to a close. This would be a very typical arm used in those hard-fought and decisive campaigns.