Yes sir it had band springs and the lock plate was dated 1864. From my reading this model design was made in 1864 and 1865 and I had also read that some of the earlier 1864 dated examples would be acceptable with the "Tulip style rod" but it wasn't a dedicated Springfield collectors book that I read it in. Thank you for the birthday wishes and I am hoping this rifle works out because it would be a splendid birthday present to myself!