Antique spoon value?

Eric Hahl · Eric Hahl's Garage

Looking to find a value on these two spoons.

First one is 1864 Springfield. Has bayonet and leather scabbard. Looks like maybe the end of the barrel was cut off a long time ago and the site moved (not sure though). Bayonet does not attach any longer or is for a different gun. however, my father purchased this (1945ish) from the grand daughter of the man who used it in the civil war. We know his name and where he was from but have no other supporting documentation.

Second one is a French service pistol from the 1840's. .69cal and pretty menacing looking.

Let me know what you think.

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

Yes, the bbl on that Springfield has been cut off. The entire rifle would normally be about 56". I just recently bought a '61 Springfield from an antique gun dealer who is a friend. It hardly has any pitting and no rust. I paid $1500 as I recall. I have cast up some minnie balls for it but not shot it yet. I used to shoot originals back in High School in the late 60's in Civil War reenactment (no bullet of course) and then we'd do some competition stuff with loaded rounds. Repro's were not even made back then. Never a problem. If you would want to load and shoot that one I'd have it looked at first by a good gun smith to be sure it's safe.

The pistol I have no idea on but may be more rare/valuable...

Eric Hahl · Eric Hahl's Garage

Thanks for the info Mark.

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

Eric,

Here are some pix of the one I bought along with some 320gr Minni balls I cast up yesterday. They have a deep hollow base meant to expand under the pressure of the gas expansion and that helps them engage the rifling. To cast such a bullet most moulds have a base plug which you have to take out before you open the mould to drop the bullet so casting these takes a bit more time than regular flat base bullets. I'll have to dip lube these to fill the grooves with proper BP lube.

I can't really tell if your's has been cut down much but the sight is missing so must be somewhat shorter. The bayonet fits over the sight and has a locking band that holds it in place. You'll need to measure the full length of the rifle to see how much shorter it is. Normal would be about 56" over all length...