It's a cut down '63 Type 1 rifle musket (Type 2 had band retaining springs). The rammer is wrong and I wouldn't be surprised to find it has been bored smooth. The rear sight has been removed and the front sight is wrong. The original barrel length was 40" and the stock would have had 3 bands. The trigger guard is not original as it would have had provision for a sling swivel on the front of the bow. This gun has been modified post-war for sale to civilians, possibly even through Sears & Roebuck. This gun could be restored to its original configuration with a little work and of course some $$.It looks like a surplus gun that was bored smooth for resale to civilians as a cheap shotguns. My great-grandfather told me he had one for years in the early 1900’s that was very serviceable.
A thimble should be easy enough to replace. But, I bought it for resale. I'll either put it in my shop or on gunbroker as is and allow someone else to do the restoration.
"A Cut Down Musket for $2.75" is advertised on p. 304 of the reprinted 1902 Sears catalog. "Made from U.S. Springfield Musket, Model 1863." Also, "For quality of material, shooting qualities and durability, this gun is too well known to require any comment from us." The catalog illustration does show one thimble.
I would if I knew for sure what it was worth. I found one, almost identical, online that sold for $1300. But I also saw them in the $700 range. And, I saw one that sold for $180 in 2010. So, I think gunbroker's probably my best bet. I'll let the market determine value. I'm planning on listing it tomorrow.Put it for sale here.
It is hard to put a figure on a cut down gun, so this might be your best bet. In original full length they seem to be running around $900 and up depending on condition.
