In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

290.–1 The Model 1864 Spring- field rifle musket has spring type retainers for its convex-surfaced barrel bands. There is no provision for lateral clamping screws in the upper and lower bands. The ramrod’s head was redesigned. Model 1864 Rifle Musket  290. Because this arm was the second “model” of rifle musket adopted during calendar 1863, some arms students have referred to it as the “Model 1863 (Type II)” rifle musket or the “Second Model of 1863” rifle musket. However, an April 16, 1864, letter from the chief of ordnance to the superintendent of Springfield Armory states, “[The] recently adopted musket, for distinctions sake, should be denominated the model of 1864.” In subsequent documents, such as Springfield Armory’s annual reports and in other records, it was referred to as “Model 1864.” For example, Ordnance Department Circular No. 42, dated August 6, 1864, titled “Requisitions for Parts of Springfield Muskets to Specify the Model,” clearly distinguished the features of each of the Model 1855, Model 1861, Model 1863, and Model 1864 rifled muskets. The Model 1864 rifle musket was the last armory-pattern percussion shoulder arm, and represents several refinements intended to improve the service characteristics of the Model 1863. These improvements were suggested in November 1863 by Colonel Peter V. Hagner, a senior inspector who headed up the New York Ordnance Agency, and who was supported in this by General Alexander B. Dyer, commandant of Springfield Armory. On December 8, General Dyer wrote to Chief of Ordnance General George D. Ramsay, saying that he was sending “a new model rifle musket” and a separate stock, and enumerated the model’s improvements.Mostoftheimprovementscontainedinthemodelwereapproved by Secretary of War P. H. Watson on December 17, 1863, and were incorporated into rifle musket production early in the April–June 1864 quarter. The most visible of the improvements were the reintroduction of barrel band retainers, to prevent the barrel bands from sliding forward from the recoil of firing, and the change of the tulip-shaped ramrod head to the encircling groove-style of the English Pattern 1853 rifle musket, to facilitate grasping, and with a slot for insertion of a screwdriver blade for additional torque as well as to hold bore cleaning material. Springfield Armory Superintendent General Dyer telegrammed Chief of Ordnance General Ramsay on June 13, 1864, saying, “I am using Springs in fastening oval bands.” This indicated the Model 1864 was in production at that time. Due to the large quantity of Model 1864 rifle muskets produced at Springfield Armory in the April–June 1864 quarter, it is believed that rifle muskets of this model had been in production for more than a month previous to that letter. Part II 334 In order to produce the largest quantity possible, the Ordnance Department purchasedavarietyofcomponentsfortheseriflemusketsratherthanhavingthem made at the armory. Correspondence indicates that mainsprings were purchased from C. N. Sterett and Mr. C. A. Newell, both of Middletown, Connecticut. Rifle musket barrels were purchased from Cooper, Hewitt & Company of Trenton, New Jersey. Ordnance Department correspondence indicates that the contract for these barrels was dated prior to July 1864. Production: 254,340 Model 1864 rifle muskets were procured through fabrication at Springfield Armory: 1864 April–June 58,999 1865 July–September 44,040 January–March 70,077 October–December 54,424 April–June 26,800 Total 157,463 Total 96,877 Changes From Model 1863 Finish: The following parts were bright instead of blued: barrel bands, sling swivels, trigger plate, and trigger guard bow. Barrel Bands: There was no change to the middle band. The 1 /2"-wide convexsurfaced upper and lower barrel bands are solid. Band Retainers: These three 2" retaining springs are located forward of their respective bands on the right side of the stock. Ramrod: The 395 /8" straight rod has a cupped head with six grasping grooves around its circumference, and a 3 /8" slot for a wiping rag. The rear end is threaded for ball screw and wiper. Rear Sight: The Model 1864 leaf-type rear sight has a single “L”-shaped leaf. The short branch terminates in a flat end with “V” notch, and is sighted for 100 yards. The long branch has a peep that is sighted for 300 yards, and terminates in a flat end with “V” notch that is sighted for 500 yards. The base walls are identical to the Model 1861 rear...

Share