Their were nearly two dozen contractors that produced rifle muskets for the Federal Government during the Civil War, these firms were required to produce muskets that conformed to the M1861 Springfield and were to be 100% interchangeable. Interestingly out of these companies, only three were given authorization to update their tooling when Springfield adapted the Model 1863 musket. These firms were S.N.&W.T.C, Remington, and Afred Jenks & Son (Bridesburg). More interesting, is the fact that out of these three firms, the only firm that was actually building M1861 pattern muskets and thus required "retooling" was Bridesburg. The other two firms, S.N.&W.T.C and Remington had only received their contracts after the M1863 was adopted; making it easier for them to tool up to produce the 1863 rather than retool existing machinery.
One of the reasons Bridesburg was able to retool so easily in comparison to the other contractors was the shear size and production capacity of the firm in 1863. The Jenks & Son company had been manufacturing machinery to spin and weave cotton at the beginning of the war, so the transition from textile equipment to arms equipment was relatively smooth in comparison to other contractors. Additionally, by 1863 the company had just completed a completely new facility designed and built expressly for the purpose of producing arms for the government. Clearly, the Jenks family was "all in" when it came to arms manufacturing; and this attitude is reflected in their production totals. At its peak the Bridesburg Arsenal was producing nearly 5,000 muskets per month; with production totals of more than 100,000 muskets. Of these more than 100,000 guns only 7,000 M1863 muskets were produced; making the musket offered here quite a rarity.
This model 1863 Bridesburg is all correct, not built from a combination of Bridesburg and Springfield parts, and in above average condition.
It is 100% percent correct, and the stamps and proof marks on the all the components are all of Bridesburg manufacture according to Hartzler, Yantz, and Whisker's book The U.S. Model 1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket.
The lock is in great shape with a perfect, untouched patina and good legible lock markings. The mechanics are perfect and the lock holds solid at both full and half cock.
The stock is well above average. There are no chips or cracks anywhere and no burn-out behind the nipple. The cartouches are nice legible. The lock moldings are wonderfully crisp as the stock has never been sanded or cleaned.
The barrel is good with excellent stamps at the breech and a great, light patina. Both front and rear sights are intact and unmodified. The bore is good with sharp rifling and some scattered "frost pitting".
The furniture is all original and all matching. The ramrod is full length.
This M1863 just screams Civil War history and would make for a great addition to any history buff's collection.
