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 (above & below) An 1861 Springfield
rifle found on the Gettysburg battlefield very soon after the battle. This item was displayed for many years in a small shop
on the intersection of the Wheatfield and Millerstown roads on the battlefield. It was displayed with two other muskets
with a sign that stated, "not for sale". However, an elderly gentleman whose wife was a Swope sold the collection
at an auction several years ago. This item is from the Swope Collection (a well known Gettysburg family) and had been passed
down through the family through the years. The lockplate has the eagle and 1861 stamp which is desirable on the 1861
Springfields. There is minimal to no pitting and the metal has darkened to a nice patina over the years. Upon purchase there
was still mud in the barrel and dirt still coats the inside of the barrel, no doubt from having been out on the fields. Gettysburg
muskets with good provenance are rare. $2,775 -SOLD
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