As this gun was one of the first standard rifles for the Union army during the Civl War (or the War Between the States), the vast majority of the 47,115 muskets mfg. saw extensive service, and as such, are seldom found in any condition approaching fine. This example is a true museum piece. it is standard model in all respects with 40" barrel rifled for the .58 musket round. It has the Maynard tape primer. All the furniture save for the brass fore end cap is bright iron and this one is almost perfect. Clean gun metal with some very, very light freckling. Equiped with the Long Range rear sight. NO rust or pits of any kind. Even the area around the nipple is clean as the day it was made and original blued nipple is perfect. Strong JL cartouche on left side in box. US and 25 stamped on butt plate which is also near mint. No cracks or chips of any kind on the stunning stock. Light fire blue on all three barrel band springs. Rare original ram rod. Lock and barrel both stamped 1858. If you have a copy of "The Springfield Armory Shoulder Weapons 1795-1968" by Robert Ball, you will see a very detailed overview of this rifle. This example is every bit as nice as the example in book from Jonathon Pecks collection, one of the most prolific collectors of early US arms. I doubt there is a nicer example for sale at this time on this site or anywhere else. A true museum quality example of a Civil War classic.