Trying to Identify Maker of 1863 Springfield repro

[TFoley]

The proof mark you note on the barrel do not match any European format. VP has no significance to me, but PV - pulvero nero - is one of the marks of Italian proof.

My own thoughts are that it has been de-farbed, not unusual in the USA, but highly illegal in any of the CIP countries where gun proof stamps must be clearly visible. Think of it as illegal to us as removing the serial number on a modern firearm is to you.

 

[mark_fare]

The groove depth at the muzzle mics .585". The mould is a Rapine that is marked 580315 and casts a .580" minie. The minie fits perfectly at the muzzle and thumb starts easily. Using the ramrod to seat the minie requires progressively greater force indicating progressive rifling. I'm betting the barrel and mould are a matched set. Once again, thank you to all contributed to my search. To those who expressed interest in purchasing or trading, I'm going to open a listing in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum.

WRONG. If it has progressive depth rifling the bullet will be easier to push down the further it goes down the barrel. The tightest spot in a progressive depth rifled barrel is the muzzle.

 

[hawkeye2]

WRONG. If it has progressive depth rifling the bullet will be easier to push down the further it goes down the barrel. The tightest spot in a progressive depth rifled barrel is the muzzle.
[/QUOT

WRONG AGAIN. Sorry Mark but the progressive depth rifling is deeper at the breech than the muzzle. The rifling in the 1861 Springfield is .015" deep at the breech and .005" shallower at the muzzle with a constant twist of 1 in 72". There is no tighter spot at the muzzle.

 

[mark_fare]

As far the rifling depth is, the tightest spot is at the muzzle. I own two Parker-Hales and the bullets get looser the further down the barrel they go. Especially after firing a few shots and getting the barrel fouled a little.

 

[Montanarae]

Hello, you listed this gun for trade in the 'Firearms for sale trade want,' Forum. Any thoughts of selling it outright??

 

[rickystl]

Not in my area of expertise, but a very interesting Thread. Thanks for posting. A great example of the value of the Forum.

Rick

 

[Stantheman86]

Progressive Depth rifling gets tighter farther down into the breech.....so that undersized Minies could be rammed in a fouled bore in combat conditions

Only originals and Parker-Hale Enfields have this except as noted , a Bobby Hoyt relined repro.

Going from memory I believe the Progressive Depth rifling was deleted by some of the contractors making 1861 Pattern rifles to speed barrel production for wartime but I'm not 100% on that.

 

[Montanarae]

Don't have any information to offer. Just wanted to tell you that is a very beautiful specimen. I'm drooling. Any plans on selling? Entertaining any offers?

 

[Lakeman]

Don't have any information to offer. Just wanted to tell you that is a very beautiful specimen. I'm drooling. Any plans on selling? Entertaining any offers?

I'll send you a PM

 

[springfield art]

Sometime back I picked up a replica 1863 Springfield .58 cal. I'm mostly a flintlock shooter and after a single trip to the range the capgun got hung on the rack and that's where it remained except for a periodic wipedown with an oily rag and and an oily patch down the bore. This morning my foggy old brain took note of an oddity. The rifling depth at the muzzle is very shallow and gets deeper the further down the bore you go. In other words, tapered rifling. I've never seen that on a repro. I'm hoping someone can solve the mystery of who made this rifle. The lock is marked Amoskeag Manf. Co. with Manchester, NH under it and 1863 on the tail. No other makers mark (Zoli,etc) and no "black powder only" warning. Any ideas, folks?
John
View attachment 140009View attachment 140009View attachment 140010

 

[springfield art]

Nice! BTW, me and others, often forget the 'flash channel' from the cap to the bore; if you don't really flush it out, it will crust over and foul. I am guilty myself. Good photos!