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Springfield Model 1847
Springfield Model 1847
Springfield Model 1847
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The Springfield Model 1847 was a percussion lock musketoon produced by the Springfield Armory in the mid-19th century.

Key Information

History

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Muskets were designed for a dual purpose on the battlefield. They could be used as a ranged weapon, and they could also be used as a pike for short range fighting. Because they were used in a manner similar to a pike, muskets had to be long and heavy, which made them impractical for other uses. Because of this, many muskets were produced in a shorter version, often called a carbine or a musketoon. These shorter weapons were often used by naval forces and cavalry.

The Model 1847 carbine was a shortened version of the Springfield Model 1842 standard infantry musket.

Three basic models were produced at Springfield between 1847 and 1859. The total production of all three models is estimated at 10,000 carbines.

The cavalry model was not highly regarded by those mounted troops to whom they were issued. Inspector General Joseph K. Mansfield conducted a tour of the Western outposts in 1853 and reported that the troops made many derogatory comments about their carbines. Dragoons told him that when the weapon was carried by a mounted trooper, the ball would simply roll out of the weapon's barrel. His report also stated that "There is no probable certainty of hitting the object aimed at, and the recoil is too great to be fired with ease." Mansfield concluded that the gun was essentially "a worthless arm," having "no advocates that I am aware of."

The Model 1847 musketoon's inadequacies were largely responsible for Steptoe's loss at the Battle of Pine Creek (along with other poor equipment selections).[1]

Design and Features

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The Model 1847, like the Model 1842 musket that it was based on, had a .69 caliber barrel, and was fired using a percussion lock system. The barrel was much shorter, only 26 inches in length compared to the Model 1842's 42 inch barrel. The Model 1842 had been produced as a smoothbore musket, but many were later rifled. The Model 1847 carbines were also produced as a smoothbore weapon, and a small number of these also were later rifled.

Smoothbore carbines were not sighted. The carbines that were rifled were also fitted with sights.

Like the Model 1842 musket, the Model 1847 carbine used barrel bands to attach the barrel to the stock. The carbine, being much shorter, only required two barrel bands, instead of the three required for the longer Model 1842 musket.

The Model 1847 carbine featured a small lock and chain or metal bale for attaching the ramrod which was especially useful while reloading on horseback.

The total weight of the carbine was approximately 7.4 lbs, and its overall length was 41 inches.

Variants

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The Model 1847 Musketoon was produced in three variants, called the Artillery, Cavalry, and Sappers (engineers) models.

See also

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References

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Springfield Model 1847

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from Grokipedia
The Springfield Model 1847 was a .69-caliber, , muzzle-loading percussion manufactured by the , designed as a compact shoulder arm for mounted troops and specialized units. Authorized by the Secretary of War on March 12, 1847, the Model 1847 was developed to equip the reactivated Second Regiment of Dragoons and other branches, serving as a replacement for earlier and breechloading designs like the Hall carbine. Production began in 1848 and continued until 1859, with a total of 10,892 units completed at the , making it one of the earliest standardized percussion firearms for U.S. and support roles. The design featured a shortened barrel derived from the Model 1842 , with an overall length of approximately 41 inches, and it incorporated iron or furniture along with a for loading loose and . Three primary variants were produced: the model (6,703 units), equipped with mountings and no provision for lighter weight during mounted service; the model (3,359 units), with iron fittings and a stud for field use; and the sappers model (830 units), adapted for engineers with a unique 26.5-inch saber attachment. Historically, the Model 1847 saw service on the , including in conflicts such as the 1858 Battle of Tohotonimme (Steptoe Battlefield), where U.S. troops armed with the faced superior Native American forces despite its limitations in range and accuracy. During the Civil War, many surviving examples were modified—such as by barrels or adding sights—to extend their utility, though they were increasingly supplanted by rifled long arms; markings like "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/[year]" and inspector stamps authenticated production pieces.

Development and Production

Origins and Design Influences

During the early 1840s, the military underwent a significant transition from to percussion ignition systems for , driven by the need for more reliable firing mechanisms in adverse conditions. This shift was formalized in 1840 when the U.S. government decided to adopt percussion caps for new musket production, recognizing their superiority over flintlocks in terms of ignition speed and weather resistance. The musket exemplified this change, serving as the first standard U.S. percussion arm and establishing a baseline for subsequent designs with its .69-caliber barrel and . The Springfield Model 1847 directly drew from the Model 1842's design, adapting its percussion lock and overall configuration into a shortened variant optimized for non-infantry roles. This modification addressed the limitations of full-length muskets for mounted and support troops, reducing the barrel length to enhance handling on horseback or in artillery positions while retaining compatibility with the Model 1842's and . The decision to develop this stemmed from the reactivation of the Second Regiment of Dragoons in 1844, which highlighted the inadequacy of existing arms like the breechloading Hall carbine for use. Officially adopted on March 12, 1847, by the Secretary of War, the Model 1847 was intended to equip , , and units during a period of U.S. territorial expansion, including conflicts along the frontier that demanded versatile, lightweight firearms for mobile forces. Early design evaluations at the revealed concerns over the barrel's ball retention, as loosely packed projectiles could roll forward and exit when the weapon was tilted or inverted across the shoulder, a common carry position for mounted troops. These issues, along with vulnerabilities in the swivel , prompted ongoing refinements but underscored the trade-offs in prioritizing portability over infantry-grade stability.

Manufacturing and Output

The Springfield Armory served as the primary federal facility for the production of the Model 1847 from 1848 to 1859, operating under the U.S. Ordnance Department to manufacture all variants exclusively at this site in . As the nation's leading small arms arsenal, it centralized production to ensure uniformity and through systems, drawing on established infrastructure from prior musket models. Manufacturing techniques for the Model 1847 were adapted from those used for the Model 1842 musket, emphasizing precision forging, barrel boring, and assembly to produce reliable percussion-lock weapons. Barrels, measuring 26 inches in length and chambered for .69-caliber ammunition, underwent multiple boring operations using water- or steam-powered banks to achieve smooth, uniform interiors, followed by forging with trip hammers for shaping components like locks and mounts. Assembly involved fitting iron and furniture to stocks via mechanized milling and gaging systems—over 750 gauges by the mid-1840s—to minimize hand-finishing and promote interchangeability, with final polishing applied to steel parts. Total production across all variants reached 10,892 units, with output peaking in the late to support U.S. territorial expansion and frontier service, though specific annual breakdowns are limited. The artillery model accounted for 3,359 units produced between 1848 and 1856; the sappers and miners variant totaled 830 units over the same period; and the cavalry model comprised 6,703 units from 1848 to 1854. Labor at the Armory during this era involved a workforce of approximately 109 skilled artificers in the early 1840s, expanding to around 400 by 1852, including specialized roles such as 18 barrel forgers, 16 stockers, 26 millers, and 24 lock filers. Machinery transitioned to steam power around , with a 30-horsepower engine powering Hill Shops for and assembly, supplemented by water turbines in dedicated barrel-making facilities to drive lathes, boring tools, and Blanchard's stock-patterning machines for efficient, semi-automated production.

Design and Features

Specifications

The Springfield Model 1847 features a compact design suited for , , and sappers use, with specifications varying slightly by variant. Key physical and operational specifications are as follows.
SpecificationDetails
Overall length41–42.75 inches
Barrel length26 inches
Approximately 7.4 pounds
Caliber.69 inches
Paper cartridges with .65-inch musket balls
Approximately 900–1,200 ft/s
Effective firing rangeUp to 80 yards
Maximum rangeApproximately 200–300 yards
2–3 rounds per minute
Feed systemMuzzle-loaded percussion lock action
These metrics reflect the musketoon's role as a versatile, short-barreled arm, balancing portability with the ballistic characteristics typical of mid-19th-century percussion weapons. Detailed differences by variant (, , sappers) are covered in the Variants section.

Key Components and Operation

The Springfield Model 1847 employed a percussion lock mechanism, a significant advancement over earlier systems, featuring a flat, beveled lock-plate measuring 5½ inches long, marked with an eagle over "U.S." ahead of the and "SPRINGFIELD" with the production year behind it. This mechanism included a that, when released by the trigger, struck a seated on a —a hollow, conical steel tube protruding from the lock side and communicating with the barrel's powder charge. The , typically made of copper or brass and filled with fulminated mercury, exploded upon impact to produce a flash that ignited the main powder charge through the nipple, ensuring reliable ignition even in wet conditions. Operation began with loading at the muzzle using a paper cartridge containing a measured powder charge and .69-caliber lead ball. The soldier tore open the cartridge with their teeth, poured the powder down the smoothbore barrel, inserted the ball wrapped in the remaining paper, and used the ramrod to seat the charge firmly at the breech. Priming followed by placing a percussion cap on the nipple, after which the hammer was cocked to half or full position, the musket aimed, and the trigger pulled to fire. The trigger plate, 9½ inches long with a detachable bow secured by spanner nuts, supported this sequence and allowed the trigger to protrude through a split in the plate for precise operation. The barrel was a 26-inch smoothbore tube of .69 , round in profile and secured by two iron or bands to the full-length , which measured approximately 41–42.75 inches overall and weighed about 7.4 pounds, with including a buttplate for shouldering ( for variant, iron for ). The featured a full-length forend for secure handling and a spoon-shaped retainer at the forend tip to hold the , which had a or flat head and, in configurations, a or swivel attachment to prevent loss during mounted use. lugs were absent in the variant for compactness but present in the and sappers models. Despite these features, the Model 1847 exhibited operational drawbacks inherent to its design as a short, heavy-caliber . The loose-fitting round ball could roll out of the muzzle when the barrel was elevated or inverted, complicating handling in dynamic combat scenarios. Additionally, the compact 26-inch barrel length contributed to excessive from the .69-caliber charge, making sustained fire challenging, while the ramrod's swivel mechanism was prone to breakage or allowing the rod to flop loose over time.

Variants

Artillery Model

The Artillery Model of the Springfield Model 1847 musketoon was adapted for use by U.S. Army personnel, serving as a compact shoulder arm suitable for support roles in battery operations. Adopted on March 12, 1847, at the , this variant emphasized maneuverability around heavy guns, with a .69-caliber barrel shortened to 26 inches—compared to the 42-inch barrel of the Model 1842 —for easier handling in confined spaces during reloading and positioning. Key modifications distinguished the Artillery Model from other variants, particularly the version. It featured a full-length, trumpet-headed measuring 25¾ inches, secured by barrel bands and a spoon spring in the stock, without the chain or swivel retainer used in mounted arms to prevent loss during horseback maneuvers. Sling swivels were incorporated—an upper swivel on the lower barrel band and a lower one on the 2¾-inch butt plate—for convenient carrying while crews serviced pieces. Additionally, it included a stud compatible with the scalloped Model 1842 , enabling close-quarters defense, and employed iron furniture with a bright finish for durability. The overall length was 41 inches, with a weight of approximately 6 pounds 8 ounces, and the stock consisted of oil-stained American walnut. Production of the Artillery Model totaled 3,359 units at the from 1848 to 1856, forming the bulk of the variant's output within the overall 10,892 Model 1847 musketoons manufactured. These were primarily allocated to batteries as the standard arm for gunners, who relied on the weapon's design for rapid deployment in defensive scenarios, such as repelling charges at close range while protecting gun positions. It chambered the same .69-caliber ammunition as other Springfield percussion arms, ensuring logistical compatibility across units.

Cavalry Model

The Springfield Model 1847 Musketoon was specifically adapted for use by mounted troops, featuring several modifications to enhance mobility and reliability during equestrian operations. Key alterations included a swivel-mounted with a flat head, initially secured by a lug brazed below the muzzle, which was later supplemented by a chain attachment introduced in 1851 to prevent loss while reloading on horseback. The stock utilized oil-stained American walnut, configured to be slightly lighter overall at approximately 7.4 pounds, contributing to easier handling without the added weight of provisions, which were omitted entirely in this variant. Production of the Cavalry Model totaled approximately 6,000 units at the between 1847 and 1854, with some sources citing figures up to 6,703. These were primarily issued to U.S. regiments, including the reactivated Second Regiment of Dragoons in 1844, and later to pre-Civil War cavalry units as their standard shoulder arm. To facilitate equestrian handling, the incorporated a shorter overall length of about 41 inches, with a 26-inch .69-caliber barrel, allowing it to be carried on a via a sling bar and ring system on the left side of the . Balance adjustments emphasized maneuverability, enabling one-handed aiming and firing from horseback, while the chained ensured quick reloading without dismounting. Some examples were later converted to breech-loading configurations using the Merrill system, with around 100 units modified for improved versatility.

Sappers Model

The Sappers Model of the was specifically designed as the standard arm for the Corps of Engineers, particularly for sappers and miners engaged in fortifications, operations, and , where versatility in both firing and close-quarters tasks was essential. This emphasized multi-purpose functionality beyond traditional musketry, supporting roles in breaching defenses and constructing field works by integrating a robust close-combat capability. Key adaptations for sappers included a specialized attachment system for a 26½-inch double-edged, brass-hilted saber , resembling a Roman gladius, which transformed the into an effective thrusting and slashing tool for clearing obstacles or engaging in during sapper advances. This system featured a ⅜-inch double-headed lug with square shoulders on the right side of the barrel, ¼ inch below the muzzle; a larger lug on the scalloped top band; and a small square-shouldered lug atop the barrel, 5½ inches rearward from the muzzle, all soldered in place for secure field use. The overall design retained iron furniture, sling swivels, a spoon spring, and a trumpet-headed for durability in rugged environments, with a minimalistic finish prioritizing practicality over ornamentation. Production was limited to 830 units at the between 1848 and 1856, with the majority issued to engineer units for specialized operations rather than general use. Approximately 228 of these were later altered around 1856–1857 to the configuration by removing the lugs, further reducing the number of surviving original Sappers Models. Identification of authentic Sappers Models relies on the distinctive configuration, as well as standard Springfield markings on the lockplate—a spread eagle over "U.S." forward of the and "SPRING/FIELD" with the production year (e.g., 1847 or 1855) in three vertical lines aft of the hammer—often accompanied by barrel proofs like "V/P/eagle head" and a stock inspector's such as "WAT." These features, combined with the weapon's rarity, make unaltered examples highly sought after by collectors of U.S. arms.

Operational History

Mexican–American War

The Springfield Model 1847 was adopted on March 12, 1847, by the U.S. Secretary of War and assigned to the for production to arm (dragoons), , and sappers units. Production began in 1848, limiting its deployment during the ongoing (1846–1848), with use primarily equipping units in the later stages of the conflict. These weapons equipped regiments, replacing older carbines and Hall breechloaders, and were carried in slings or attached via iron clips to saddles for rapid deployment. The design's emphasis on portability—featuring a 26-inch barrel and overall length of approximately 41 inches—suited mounted troops navigating rugged terrain and engaging in fluid maneuvers. Field reports documented reliability challenges, including frequent misfires attributed to damp percussion caps in Mexico's humid climate, which reduced firing rates during prolonged engagements. Additional tactical limitations arose from the smoothbore design's tendency for the .69-caliber ball to roll forward in the barrel during horseback charges, especially when carried muzzle-down, potentially causing premature discharge or failure to fire on demand. The swivel , while convenient for reloading on the move, often broke or flopped loose under the stresses of mounted combat, further complicating resupply in the heat of battle. These issues contributed to the weapon's mixed performance, prompting post-war refinements, though it nonetheless provided U.S. forces with a versatile short arm for roles.

American Civil War

The Springfield Model 1847 musketoons saw use during the (1861–1865), primarily as secondary arms for Union forces amid the broader transition to rifle-muskets. With total production of 10,892 units across its variants (3,359 , 6,703 , and 830 sappers models) from 1848 to 1859, these .69-caliber smoothbores were issued to state militias, reserves, and units, leveraging their compact design for mounted and support roles. Pre-war transfers from included over 104,000 older smoothbore arms to southern arsenals, contributing to their availability on both sides at the conflict's outset. Confederate forces captured and repurposed examples from federal arsenals and depots, with some evidence of localized modifications such as added rudimentary sights and to some models for improved performance. Examples include "JMC"-stamped pieces associated with Jefferson Military College in , indicating potential Confederate training or reserve use. The Model 1847 saw service with both Union and Confederate forces through captures and pre-war distributions. The Model 1847 appeared in skirmishes in the of 1862, suited to mounted troops' close-range needs; and engineering tasks by sappers during the 1863 , aiding trench and fortification work. By 1863, the Model 1847 had largely declined in frontline use, phased out in favor of rifled Springfields like the Model 1861 due to the smoothbore's inferior range and accuracy against modern tactics. However, its simplicity ensured retention for training, rear-guard duties, and militia service through the war's end.
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