How Did I do?

Got this through proxibid for $826 with auction fees. Massachusetts contract Model 1863. I wanted a good "representative" Civil War piece. Are sling swivels "replaceable"? Appears to be in pretty fair, uncleaned condition with original rod. Did these have the eagle on the bolster like Springfield Arsenal production? I am planning on a bronze wool and oil wipedown for metal (only to remove active corrosion... not to "shine it up) and liquid gold and a cloth on the stock. Or? No experience with what is "correct" for Civil War firearms; mostly WWI and II collector. Any help and info appreciated.

looks nice, and great price. The only eagle that I am aware of on those, is on the lockplate itself. swivels are replacable, try dixiegunworks ect.

Ariska 99,

I would suggest you get many opinions before you touch this gun with any efforts to clean it.

Once it is done you can't undo it.

Look at lots of of photos on quality dealers sites...and read their descriptions of the original finish.

It will give you a sense of what they think serious collectors prefer.

David

Less is best!

Looks like a nice piece.
Congrats.

Understand the concern over "cleaning". Not talking about removing any patina... only surface grime such as congealed oil and the tape on the buttstock. It appears to be recent as the oxidation of the wood underneath is the same color. Liquid Gold is a light furniture polish that takes grime, conditions the surface without discoloring and then mostly evaporates. Will NOT hit stock with any abrasive or stripping product or metal with anything that will scratch.

Sling swivels; one fits on the middle band screw, the trigger guard one is riveted. Am I out of luck on that one?

im sure theres someone who can replace it properly.

Ariska99,

You might want to contact Harry Ridgeway...he is in Virginia .
He might have the parts you are missing?

David

Harry Ridgeway [ridgeway@relicman.com]

There would have been a small eagle on the flat of the bolster. Those rubbed off easily.

The Model 1863 saw the introduction of a screwed on sling swivel on the trigger guard bow. Not sure if the Mass contract gun would have had the screw or not.

There were lots of rivited sling swivel bows left in inventory at Springfield, so you will see those used on Model 1863 and Model 1864s. I've even seen a few on model 66 and 68s.

Nice piece.