This newly defarbed Miroku M1864 Springfield was just finished by Lodgewood's gunsmith David Stavlo and features every defarb option in the book.
David began by fitting an original 1864 dated lock plate and hammer in the lock mortise. He then replaced the incorrect rear clamp-type barrel band with a correct original solid band to make it a true Model 1864. "U" stamps were also added to the front and middle bands to make them more historically accurate
He then turned his attention to the stock; completely stripping, recontouring and restaining it before applying several coats of hand-rubbed linseed oil; the same finish applied to originals. The stock was finished by sealing it with bee's wax and applying the correct ESA and HJH cartouches to the lock panel.
David continued the process by removing all the markings from the barrel and stamping "1864" on the top barrel flat and a period correct VP and EAGLE and the breech. David also fire blued the rear sight before re-installing it on the barrel.
Before re-assembling the completed musket, the band sprinngs were oil-tempered using the same methods as the originals. An appropriate "US" stamp was also added to the butt plate.
The resulting musket is a near perfect copy of the M1864 Springfield. The stock profile and contours are perfect and the color and finish are all identical to those found on original stocks. The barrel is correctly marked and the sights and barrel bands are all correctly finished. The original lock plate and hammer were a nearly perfect fit for the lock mortise and the action is smooth as silk; holding solid on both full and half cock with an excellent trigger pull. The barrel is an excellent condition with sharp rifling and no rust or pitting.
Miroku muskets are highly prized by reenactors because their stocks are made of real walnut and their barrel dimension are very close to the originals. This makes them very light; almost 5 pounds lighter than Italian reproductions with denser stocks and heavier barrels.
This defarbed musket is ready to rock and is sure to be the most historically accurate weapon on the battlefield or the shooting range.
