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ОглавлениеCHAPTER 3 RIFLE-MUSKETS
I n the mid-1850s, the United States embarked on a new era in military hardware. By approving the manufacture and issuing of rifle-muskets to its infantry, they were keeping up in an international arms race to field the most modern armed forces.
Whereas rifled muskets were already in the hands of some troops, the smoothbore musket was still the most prevalent. Rather than focusing all efforts on reboring the old weapons, the federal arsenals at Harpers Ferry and Springfield would begin the manufacturing of the modern, purpose-built, Model 1855 rifle-musket.
A rifle-musket is a long arm that was originally built with a rifled barrel. Generally— but not exclusively—manufacturers produced rifle-muskets in approximately .58 caliber. Finally, the third characteristic of a rifle-musket is that it is equipped to support an angular bayonet.
By far, rifle-muskets were the most common weapons of the Civil War. Contractors and arsenals in both the north and south turned out tens of thousands of rifle-muskets, making this a ripe area for collectors today.
U.S. MODEL 1855 RIFLE-MUSKET, .58 CALIBER, HARPERS FERRY, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Rock Island Auction Company
Proof marks found on Harpers Ferry-manufactured Model 1855 rifle-muskets. Rock Island Auction Company
Manufactured by Harpers Ferry Armory, Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia), 1859–61. Total production: 12,158.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 3 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / HARPERS FERRY” in front of lock plate in front of hammer; year to rear of lock plate; spread eagle on primer door; “V / P” over eagle head on upper left flat of barrel; year on top of barrel near breech.
The Harpers Ferry version of the U.S. Model 1855 Rifle-Musket, .58 caliber, was similar to the Springfield version, with the exception of different maker’s mark on the lock plate.
Three principal types existed:
Type I: Included a long-base rear sight marked “US,” 5-1/2” from the breech; furniture was iron, except for a brass fore-tip.
Type II: In early 1855, a smaller long-range, two-leaf sight was adopted; it was mounted 2-3/4” from the breech.
Type III: Same as the Type II, except the fore-tip was changed to iron, and an iron patch box was installed in the right side of the butt stock.
| ALL TYPES: GOOD–$1,450 | FINE–$5,000 |
Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Rifle-Musket, Type I. Rock Island Auction Company
U.S. MODEL 1855 CONTRACT RIFLE-MUSKET, SPRINGFIELD, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Springfield Model 1855 Rifle-Musket, Type III, with iron patchbox. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc.
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, ca. 1856–61. Total production: 47,115.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 3 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” to front of lock plate in front of hammer; year to rear of lock plate; spread eagle on primer door; year on top flat of barrel near breech; “V / P” over eagle head on upper left flat of barrel; “U” on right side of each barrel band; “US” on tang of butt plate.
This model of rifle-musket, manufactured by the Springfield and Harpers Ferry Armories, saw extensive service in the Civil War and was significant for being the first officially adopted U.S. firearm to use the .58-caliber Minié bullet. It incorporated the Maynard tape primer system and had a 40" round barrel rifled with three grooves. All hardware was finished bright. The oil-finished black walnut stock had inspector’s initials stamped on the left side opposite the lock.
Three principal types existed:
Type I: Included a long-base rear sight marked “US,” 5-1/2” from the breech; furniture was iron, except for a brass fore-tip.
Type II: In early 1855, a smaller long-range, two-leaf sight was adopted; it was mounted 2-3/4” from the breech.
Type III: Same as the Type II, except the fore-tip was changed to iron, and an iron patch box was installed in the right side of the butt stock.
| ALL TYPES: GOOD–$1,650 | FINE–$5,500 |
U.S. MODEL 1855 WHITNEY CONTRACT RIFLE-MUSKET, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Eli Whitney, Jr., New Haven, Connecticut, ca. 1857–58. Total production: approximately 350.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 3 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“E. WHITNEY / N. HAVEN” to front of lock plate in front of hammer; year (usually “1858”; some examples lack dates) to rear of lock plate; spread eagle on primer door; letter over number on barrel near breech.
The Whitney Contract version of the U.S. Model 1855 Rifle-Musket, .58 caliber, was similar to the Springfield and Harpers Ferry versions, with these exceptions in the Whitney arms: the barrel was rifled with seven grooves instead of three; the fore-tip was pewter of the Enfield pattern; the band-retaining springs were slightly longer; and side-screw ferrules were brass of the Enfield type. Specimens exist with both the Type I long-base rear sight and the smaller Type II rear sight.
| GOOD–$1,550 | FINE–$3,500 |
U.S. MODEL 1858 CADET RIFLE-MUSKET, SPRINGFIELD, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, ca. 1858–60. Total production: 2,501.
Overall length: 53".
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” to front of lock plate in front of hammer; year to rear of lock plate; spread eagle on primer door; year on top flat of barrel near breech; “V / P” over eagle head on upper left flat of barrel; “U” on right side of each barrel band; “US” on tang of butt plate.
The U.S. Model 1858 Cadet Rifle-Musket was similar to the U.S. Model 1855 Rifle-Musket, Type I, except for a shortened, 38" barrel and stock shortened 1" at the butt, yielding an overall length 3” shorter than the Model 1855 Rifle-Musket.
| GOOD–$1,500 | FINE–$4,500 |
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, SPRINGFIELD, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1861–62. Total production: 265,129.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” to front of lock plate in front of hammer; spread eagle at center of lock plate; year to rear of lock plate; year on top flat of barrel near breech; “V / P” over eagle head on upper left flat of barrel; “U” on right side of each barrel band; “US” on tang of butt plate; inspector’s initials on left side of stock opposite the lock.
Considered the principal longarm in the Federal service in the Civil War, the U.S. Model 1861 Rifle-Musket was similar to the U.S. Model 1855 Musket-Rifle, Type II, except with an iron fore-tip and a standard percussion cap nipple and bolster, instead of the Maynard tape-primer mechanism. The round, 40" barrel was rifled with three broad grooves. All metal parts were bright finished, but blued rear sights are sometimes found. The rear sight was a two-leaf type graduated to 500 yards, but reportedly some early examples of the arm were fitted with Model 1858 sights. The black walnut stock was 53" long and oil finished.
| GOOD–$1,200 | FINE–$3,500 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 EAGLEVILLE CONTRACT RIFLE-MUSKET, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Eagle Manufacturing Company, Mansfield, Connecticut, ca. 1861–63. Total production: at least 5,500; possibly as many as 20,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / EAGLEVILLE” on lock plate below bolster cutout; spread eagle at center of lockplate; year toward rear of lockplate.
In late December 1861, the Federal government contracted with the Eagle Manufacturing Company for 25,000 U.S. Model 1862 Rifle-Muskets, reducing that number to 20,000 in May 1862. The company is known to have delivered 5,500 units between April 14 and September 30, 1862, but documents indicate that the contract was fulfilled.
| GOOD–$950 | FINE–$3,000 |
Rock Island Auction Company
U.S. MODEL 1861 CONTRACT RIFLE-MUSKET, ALFRED JENKS & SON, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc.
Manufactured by Alfred Jenks & Son, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1861–62. Total production: 98,464.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
Three lock plate markings existed: 1) “U.S. / BRIDESBURG / 1861” below bolster cutout and spread eagle at center of lock plate (extremely rare); 2) “U.S. / PHILADELPHIA” below bolster cutout; spread eagle at center of lock plate; year of manufacture to rear of lock plate; 3) “U.S. / BRIDESBURG” below bolster cutout of lock plate, spread eagle at center of lock plate, year near rear of lock plate (most common).
Alfred Jenks & Son’s Bridesburg Machine Works delivered U.S. Model 1861 Rifle-Muskets under five contracts between July 13, 1861, and February 1, 1865.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$1,300 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “MANTON” CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Whitneyville Armory, New Haven, Connecticut, ca. 1862–63. Total production: probably fewer than 2,000.
Overall length: 56" and 55". Weight: approximately 9 lbs.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“MANTON” engraved in Old English letters below bolster cutout on lock plate; year stamped vertically near rear of lock plate; “V / P” over eagle head on barrel (design of eagle head varied, and it was absent on some examples); inspector’s mark “G.W.Q.” on barrel of most examples.
The “Manton” Contract U.S. Model 1861 Rifle-Musket was actually the product of Eli Whitney, Jr.’s Whitneyville Armory. It is unclear why Whitney delivered these arms with markings inferring that they were the product of the London armory of J. Manton & Son, but it has been speculated that Whitney was attempting to pawn-off substandard weapons by attaching the name of a respected foreign manufacturer to them. Barrel lengths of 39" and 40" have been observed, and the “Manton” had a single-leaf rear sight different from the Springfield version of the arm.
| GOOD–$950 | FINE–$3,000 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, WILLIAM MASON CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by William Mason, Taunton, Massachusetts, ca. 1862–63. Total production: 30,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / WM MASON / TAUNTON” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate; year at rear of lock plate.
The version of the U.S. Model 1861 Rifle-Musket produced by the factory of William Mason was very similar to the Springfield version of the weapon, with the exception of the lock plate markings.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “MILLBURY” CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Presumed manufactured by A. H. Waters, Milbury [sic], Massachusetts, 1861–62. Total production: unknown.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / MILLBURY” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle (rearward facing) at center of lock plate; year at rear of lock plate.
It is uncertain who manufactured examples of the U.S. Model 1861 Rifle-Musket marked “MILLBURY,” but it is assumed these were the products of A. H. Waters and Company of Milbury, Massachusetts. The unusual rear-facing eagle is similar to the eagle stamped on U.S. Model 1842 muskets produced under contract by Benjamin Flagg, who after the death of Asa Waters, Jr., became the superintendent of the Waters factory.
| GOOD–$1,200 | FINE–$3,250 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, JAMES D. MOWRY CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by James D. Mowry, Norwich, Connecticut, 1861–64. Total production: 22,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / JAS D. MOWRY / NORWICH, CONN.” below bolster cutout in lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate; year at rear of lock plate.
James D. Mowry Contract U.S. Model 1861 Rifle-Muskets were assembled from a mix of Mowry’s own parts and those acquired from subcontractors.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, MUIR CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by William Muir and Company, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, ca. 1861–64. Total production: 30,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“WM MUIR & CO. / WINDSOR LOCKS, CT.” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; year at rear of lock plate.
The Muir Contract Model 1861 rifle-muskets were assembled from parts mostly obtained from subcontractors. A large number of the arms were substandard, and the government accepted those units at a discount of almost 25 percent. Muir made deliveries between January 22, 1863, and November 3, 1864.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, NORRIS & CLEMENT CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by S. Norris & W. T. Clement, Springfield, Massachusetts, ca. 1863–64. Total production: approximately 11,000 (?).
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“S.N. & W.T.C. / FOR / MASSACHUSETTS” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle over “U.S.”at center of lock plate; year toward rear of lock plate.
In 1863 and 1864, Samuel Norris and W. T. Clement fulfilled two or more contracts for Model 1861 rifle-muskets. An 1864 Massachusetts Adjutant General’s report noted that the state had purchased 11,000 “Springfield Rifle Muskets & Appendages” from Norris & Clement, but this number may have included a mix of Model 1861 and Model 1863 rifle-muskets.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “PARKER’S SNOW & CO.” (JAMES MULHOLLAND CONTRACT AND PARKER, SNOW & CO. CONTRACT), .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc.
Manufactured by Parker, Snow & Company, Meriden, Connecticut, ca. 1863–64. Total production: 5,502, Mulholland Contract; 15,000, Parker, Snow & Co. Contract.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“PARKERS’ SNOW & CO. / MERIDEN, CONN.” stamped on lock plate below bolster cutout; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; year toward rear of lock plate (“1863” probably Mulholland Contract; “1864” Parker, Snow & Co. Contract).
Documentary evidence indicates that specimens of this contract rifle-musket dated 1863 were most likely manufactured for James Mulholland of Reading, Pennsylvania, under a subcontract by Parker, Snow, Brooks & Co. (later, Parker, Snow & Co.) of Meriden, Connecticut. Mulholland delivered 5,502 of these arms to the U.S. government between July 7 and October 31, 1863.
In November 1864, Parker, Snow & Co. completed delivery of 15,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets to the U.S. government under the firm’s own contract of September 28, 1863.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “NORFOLK” MODEL (WELCH, BROWN & CO. CONTRACT), .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Welch, Brown and Company, Norfolk, Connecticut, ca. 1861–64. Total production: 16,000.
Rock Island Auction Company
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / NORFOLK” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate; year to rear of lock plate.
Welch, Brown and Company contracted to produce 18,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets in November 1861, but delivered only 16,000 units, from September 1862 to December 1863. The government accepted only 2,940 of these as up to standard, purchasing the balance at discount.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, NORWICH ARMS CO. CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Norwich Arms Company, Norwich, Connecticut, ca. 1863–64. Total production: 25,000.
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / NORWICH” on lock plate below bolster cutout; spread eagle at center of lock plate; year at rear of lock plate.
Norwich Arms Company fulfilled two contracts, dated April 1, 1863 and October 16, 1864, to supply 25,000 Model 1861 Rifle-Muskets to the U.S. government. In addition, a shortened variant existed with a 36” barrel and two Model 1863 barrel bands.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “PROVIDENCE” CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Probably manufactured by Providence Tool Co., Providence, Rhode Island, 1862. Total production: unknown.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / PROVIDENCE” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate; “1862” toward rear of lock plate.
It is not certain who manufactured Model 1861 rifle-muskets stamped “PROVIDENCE,” but it is assumed that it was the Providence Tool Company, with a smaller possibility that the maker was C. D. Schubarth of Providence, Rhode Island.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, PROVIDENCE TOOL CO. CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc.
Manufactured by Providence Tool Co., Providence, Rhode Island, ca. 1862–65. Total production: 70,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U. [spread eagle] S. / PROVIDENCE TOOL CO / PROVIDENCE R I” at center of lock plate; “1863” or “1864” (and possibly “1865”) toward rear of lock plate.
The Providence Tool Company delivered to the U.S. government 70,000 stands of Model 1861 rifle-muskets from December 1862 to May 1865. They were considered high-quality arms. Note that it is possible, but not certain, that Model 1861 rifle-muskets marked “U.S. / Providence” and “1862” on the lock plates were early-production examples of the Providence Tool Co. Contract.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, REMINGTON CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by E. Remington & Sons, Ilion, New York, ca. 1864–65. Total production: 40,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“REMINGTON’S / ILION, N.Y.” below bolster cutout on lock plate; inspector’s initial near front of lock plate; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; “1864” or “1865” at rear of lock plate.
Under a contract of December 14, 1863, E. Remington & Sons supplied the U.S. government with 40,000 Model 1861 musket-rifles, with deliveries from May 31, 1864 to May 24, 1866. Specimens dated 1864 and 1865 have been reported.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, E. ROBINSON CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Edward Robinson, New York City, ca. 1863–64. Total production: 30,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
Markings were in two styles: 1) first 12,000 examples: “E. ROBINSON” in straight line over “NEW YORK” under bolster cutout of lock plate; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; “1863” at rear of lock plate; and 2) last 18,000 examples: “E. ROBINSON” in arc over “NEW YORK” below bolster cutout; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; “1864” to rear of lock plate.
Edward Robinson delivered 30,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets under four contracts dated June 10 and December 29, 1863, and February 23 and October 4, 1864. The U.S. government paid substantially below the contract price for many of the arms, indicating that they were substandard.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “NEW YORK” CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Sarson & Roberts, New York City, ca. 1862–63. Total production: 5,140.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“US / NEW YORK / [year]” stamped below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate.
On December 26, 1861, John B. Sarson and William S. Roberts’ Sarson & Roberts armory in New York City contracted to supply the U.S. government with 25,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets. However, the firm delivered a total of only 5,140 units. Sarson & Roberts manufactured the barrels, stocks, and sights, but secured all other parts from Alfred Jenks & Son.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, SAVAGE REVOLVING FIRE ARMS CO. CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Rock Island Auction Company
Manufactured by Savage Fire Arms Co., Middletown, Connecticut, ca. 1862–64. Total production: 25,520.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“SAVAGE R.F.A. CO / MIDDLETOWN. CON.” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; “1862”, “1863”, or “1864” ar rear of lock plate.
In September 1863 the Savage Revolving Fire Arms Co. was assigned a contract originally held by Parker, Snow, Brooks & Co. to supply 25,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets to the U.S. government. Savage delivered a total of 13,520 stands under this contract, and subsequently fulfilled another contract dated February 25, 1864, for another 12,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets. The U.S. government paid well below the stipulated prices for many of these arms, which were apparently substandard.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
Rock Island Auction Company
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, SCHUBARTH CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by C. D. Schubarth & Co., Providence, Rhode Island, ca. 1861–63. Total production: 9,500.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / C.D. SCHUBARTH / PROVIDENCE” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate; year toward rear of lock plate.
C. D. Schubarth & Co. (Caspar D. Schubarth, James M. Ryder, and Frederick Griffin) produced Model 1861 rifle-muskets under contracts of October 11 and November 1, 1861, with deliveries between December 19, 1862, and October 14, 1863. All parts of the rifle-muskets were manufactured by subcontractors (including 3,000 locks made by Alfred Jenks), with assembly taking place at the Schubarth factory.
| GOOD–$1,000 | FINE–$3,000 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “SUHL” CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Christoph Funk Gewehrfabrik, Suhl, Germany, ca. 1861. Total production: several hundred.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“US” or “U.S.” toward front of lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate; “1861” toward rear of lock plate; “U” and serial number on barrel bands; “G” within a diamond and “SUHL” or “CH FUNK / SUHL” on some barrel bottoms (other barrel bottoms lack markings).
In 1861 the Christoph Funk Gewehrfabrik of Suhl, Germany, produced several hundred Model 1861 rifle-muskets for export to the United States. The weapons were similar to the standard U.S. Model 1861 arm, with variations in certain details, including a maple stock instead of walnut. It is possible that these arms were among the almost 500 Springfield-type muskets imported by William Hahn of New York City in 1862.
| GOOD–$1,500 | FINE–$5,000 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “TRENTON” (OR BURTAND HODGE) CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Addison M. Burt and James T. Hodge, Springfield, Massachusetts, ca. 1862–64. Total production: 21,995 (11,495 by Burt and 10,500 by Hodge).
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / TRENTON” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle at center of plate; year to rear of lock plate; “A. M. BURT” or “J. T. HODGE” stamped on flat of stock opposite the lock on some examples.
Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc.
After receiving separate contracts on December 26, 1861, to produce Model 1861 rifle-muskets, Addison M. Burt and James T. Hodge collaborated in manufacturing the arms without entering into a formal partnership. Leasing the Trenton Locomotive and Machine Company in January 1862, they produced a combined total of 21,995 rifle-muskets, considerably less than the total of 100,000 arms they originally contracted for.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, UNION ARMS CO. CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
Manufactured by Union Arms Co., New York City, ca. 1862–63. Total production: probably fewer than 300.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.A.CO. / NEW YORK” below bolster cutout of lock plate; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; “1863” toward rear of lock plate.
The U.S. government issued three contracts totaling 65,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets to the Union Arms Company between August and November 1861. However, apparently the company produced fewer than 300 stands, and there is evidence that the State of New York, instead of the U.S. Ordnance Department, received these arms.
| GOOD–$1,500 | FINE–$4,500 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “WATERTOWN” (OR, HOARD) CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Charles B. Hoard, Watertown, New York, ca. 1862–65. Total production: 12,800.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / WATERTOWN” below bolster cutout of lock plate; spread eagle at center of plate; year toward rear of lock plate.
Charles B. Hoard converted his steam-engine factory in Watertown, New York, into an armory for manufacturing Model 1861 rifle-muskets under contracts of December 24, 1861 (50,000 stands), and December 1, 1863 (20,000 stands). In all, Hoard delivered 12,800. Except for a number of early-production specimens that included a small quantity of parts furnished by subcontractors, these rifle-muskets were entirely manufactured by Hoard.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, WHITNEY, U.S. CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc.
Manufactured by Eli Whitney, Jr., Whitneyville Armory, New Haven, Connecticut, 1863–65. Total production: 15,001.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“WHITNEY-VILLE” in italics below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; “1863” or “1864” stamped vertically toward rear of lock plate; “U.S.” stamped on butt plate; inspector’s initials such as “FCW”, “HW”, and “JHG” on flat of stock opposite lock. Markings on the barrel: “V-P” over eagle head proof mark; “FCW”, “JHG”, or “W”; and “1863” or “1864”.
After failing to fulfill a contract of December 24, 1861, to supply the U.S. government with 40,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets, the Whitneyville Armory completed a second contract dated October 17, 1863, by delivering 15,001 of the rifle-muskets between October 20, 1863, and March 1, 1865. Whitney’s U.S. contract rifle-muskets featured three-groove rifling.
| GOOD–$1,250 | FINE–$3,500 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, WHITNEY, FLUSH LOCK PLATE, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Eli Whitney, Jr., Whitneyville Armory, New Haven, Connecticut, ca. 1863. Total production: probably under 100.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
Large spread eagle and U.S. flag over “WHITNEYVILLE” at center of non-beveled lock plate; “1863” vertically near rear of lock plate; “V / P” over six-pointed star, and “G.W.Q.” on most barrels.
The Whitneyville Armory manufactured a small number of Model 1861 rifle-muskets with a flush lock plate and three-groove rifling around 1863. Most examples had a pewter fore-end cap, but a few were of iron. In addition to the regular version with 40" barrel and three barrel bands, there exist some examples with a 30" barrel with two bands.
| GOOD–$2,250 | FINE–$5,000 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, WHITNEY, CONNECTICUT CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Eli Whitney, Jr., Whitneyville Armory, New Haven, Connecticut, 1863–65. Total production: 14,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
Two types of lock plate markings exist: 1) “E. WHITNEY / N.HAVEN” at center of beveled lock plate; 2) large spread eagle and U.S. flags over “WHITNEYVILLE” at center of beveled lock plate. “JHS” or “H” inspector’s marks on barrel (“G. W.Q.” on late-production specimens).
By April of 1863 the Whitneyville Armory delivered 14,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets to the State of Connecticut under contracts of 1861 and 1862. They were similar to the standard U.S. pattern, with a few exceptions: they featured seven-groove rifling (but late-production examples had three grooves), a pewter fore-end cap, Whitney-type long-range sight dovetailed into the barrel, and a steel ramrod with brass tip (early-production). In addition, the Connecticut Contract rifle-muskets accepted Enfield-type bayonets. The 22nd and 27th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Regiments were equipped with these arms, most likely along with several other Connecticut regiments.
| GOOD–$1,500 | FINE–$5,500 |
Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc.
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “WINDSOR LOCKS” CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufacturer unknown; probably William Muir & Co. or Dinslow & Chase, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, ca. 1863. Total production: unknown.
Overall length: 56”. Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / WINDSOR LOCKS” below bolster cutout of lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate; year toward rear of lock plate.
The identity of the manufacturer of Model 1861 contract rifle-muskets marked simply “WINDSOR LOCKS” is uncertain, although it was probably either William Muir & Company, owners of an armory in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, or Dinslow & Chase, manufacturers in that town who are known to have produced rifle-musket parts.
| GOOD–$1,250 | FINE–$4,000 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, NEW JERSEY CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Contracted or manufactured by Perkins & Livingston, New York City; Trenton Arms Co., Trenton, New Jersey; and Schuyler, Hartley, & Graham, New York City, ca. 1863–64. Total production: 20,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
Specific markings as described below. Also, “N.J.” on left side of barrel and on stock opposite the lock; no inspector’s marks on barrel.
New Jersey issued contracts to three companies in 1863–64 to supply the state with Model 1861 rifle-muskets (prices are for NJ-surcharged examples):
Perkins & Livingston: 2,200 stands delivered, marked the same as Savage Repeating Fire Arm Company Contract examples: “SAVAGE R.F.A. CO / MIDDLETOWN. CON.” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; year to rear of lock plate.
| GOOD–$1,500 | FINE–$3,750 |
Trenton Arms Company: 5,300 stands delivered, marked: “U.S. / TRENTON” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle at center of plate; year to rear of lock plate; “A. M. BURT” or “J. T. HODGE” stamped on flat of stock opposite the lock on some examples.
| GOOD–$1,500 | FINE–$3,750 |
Schuyler, Hartley, & Graham: 2,500 Colt Special Model 1861 rifle-muskets delivered: “U.S. / COLT’S PT F.A. MFG CO / HARTFORD CT” below bolster cutout on lock plate; year toward rear of lock plate; spread eagle on percussion cap bolster.
| GOOD–$1,500 | FINE–$3,750 |
SPECIAL MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, .58 CALIBER, PERCUSSION
Made by four different firms, 1862-1865. Total production: approximately 174,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 3 oz.
The U.S. Special Model 1861 Contract Rifle-Musket differed considerably from the regulation U.S. Model 1861 Rifle-Musket. In fact, very few parts interchange, with the exception of a few screws, the fore-tip, side screw ferrules and trigger assembly. The motivation behind the production of this weapon seems to be the availability of Enfield rifle-musket-making machinery in Hartford, Conn., and Windsor, Vermont. Sitting unused since the bankruptcy of Robbins & Lawrence following the cancellation of their British arms contracts, Colt eyed the machinery as an economical and expedient measure to meeting the Government’s demands for weapons.
AMOSKEAG SPECIAL MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, .58 CALIBER, PERCUSSION
Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc.
Made by Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, Manchester, New Hampshire, 1862-1865, 27,001 delivered.
Face of the cone seat is stamped with a spread eagle. The lock plate is marked forward of the hammer with a spread eagle between “U.” and “S.” above “AMOSKEAG MFG. CO. / MANCHESTER, N.H.” in two lines. The date is stamped behind the hammer. The barrel is marked with the V.P. and eagle proof marks as well as the date.
The U.S. government gave the Amoskeag Manufacturing its first contract for 10,000 rifle-muskets on January 7, 1862. Amoskeag received a second contract dated November 5, 1863 for 15,000 rifles and a third one on January 6, 1865, for 2,000.
| GOOD–$1,200 | FINE–$3,500 |
COLT SPECIAL MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, .58 CALIBER, PERCUSSION
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
Made by Colt’s Patent Firearms Company, Hartford, Connecticut, 1862-1864; 96,505 delivered.
The face of the cone is stamped with a spread eagle. The lockplate is marked in front of the hammer in three lines, “U.S. / COLTS PT F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD CT.” The date of manufacture is stamped behind the hammer. Left barrel flat near the breech stamped “STEEL” on some but not all rifles of all three manufacturing years.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, the Colt Company was one of the largest and most modern private arms manufacturing companies in the world. On July 4, 1861, the Chief of Ordnance Lt. Col. James W. Ripley awarded the Colt company the first contract of the war for rifled-muskets. Colt was to deliver 25,000 weapons at the price of 20 each. First contract rifle-muskets featured barrel bands with integral tension screws. Collectors refer to these as “Type I.”
The Colt Company received a second contract dated June 5, 1863, for an additional 50,000 rifled muskets at the same unit price. Weapons of the second and third contracts have plain barrel bands secured by inlet spring catches. These weapons are referred to as “Type II.”
The company received a third contract on March 19, 1864, for 37,500 weapons. At the end of 1864, after taking delivery of 21,500 rifle-muskets, the Ordnance Department suspended and canceled the contract in anticipation of the war ending.
In July 1863, Colt agreed to sell to the New York weapons and equipment supplier, Schuyler, Hartley & Graham “Second Class U.S. Rifle Muskets” produced up to that time. The second class weapons were those that had failed to pass government inspection. On July 11, 1863, Schuyler, Hartley & Graham sold 2,500 of these second class rifle-muskets to the state of Connecticut. A plain nipple bolster (no eagle stamp) characterizes the second class weapons.
After the cancellation of the third contract, Colt did not immediately suspend manufacturing of the Special Model 1861 Rifle-Musket. From May to September 1865, workers completed at least 8,000 additional rifle-muskets. In 1866, the Colt Company sold 12,100 Model 1861 Special Rifle Muskets to the government of Egypt.
| GOOD–$1,500 | FINE–$4,000 |
LAMSON, GOODNOW & YALE SPECIAL MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, .58 CALIBER, PERCUSSION
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
Made by Lamson, Goodnow & Yale Company, Windsor, Vermont, and Shelburn Falls, Massachusetts; 1862-1864, 50,000 delivered.
Three different variations of lockplate markings have been encountered. The first is marked in front of the hammer with a spread eagle over “U.S.” and beneath the bolster, “L.G. & Y. / WINDSOR-VT” in two lines. The date (1862 being the earliest) is stamped behind the hammer. The second type was marked with a large spread eagle over “U.S.” in front of the hammer and “L.G-Y. / WINDSOR- VT” in two lines beneath the bolster. Notice that the second in is italicized on this variant. The date (1863 being the earliest) is stamped behind the hammer. The third version does not have any eagle stamped on the plate and is marked beneath the bolster, “U.S. / L.G-& Y. / WINDSOR-VT.” in three lines. The bottom line is in italics. The earliest date to the rear of the hammer on the third version is 1864.
Lamson, Goodnow & Yale Company received their two contracts, each for 25,000 stands at 20 each. The first was awarded on July 11, 1861, followed by the second on October 7, 1861. The company made its first delivery on September 24, 1862, and continued to deliver on the contracts at an average rate of 2,000 rifle-muskets per month until the final delivery on December 10, 1864.
When the terms of the final contract were met, Messrs. Goodnow and Yale left the arms-making business. The company reorganized as E.G. Lamson & Company.
| GOOD–$1,200 | FINE–$3,500 |
LAMSON & CO. SPECIAL MODEL 1861 RIFLE MUSKET, .58 CALIBER, PERCUSSION
Made by E.G. Lamson, & Company, Windsor, Vermont, 1865, total quantity estimated at under 500.
Lockplate marked “U.S. / E.G. LAMSON & CO. / WINDSOR VT” in three lines in front of the hammer. Behind the hammer, the plate is marked “1865.”
Lamson did not receive a contract to manufacture Special Model 1861 Rifle-Muskets after Goodnow and Yale left the company in 1865. Though Lamson had contracts to produce Palmer and Ball & Lamson carbines, he obviously wanted to take advantage of the surplus parts still in the Windsor manufactory. Though the barrels of known E.G. Lamson & Co. rifle-muskets bear the usual “V / P / [eagle head]” proof marks, none of the completed arms received inspector’s initials on the stocks. It has yet to be discovered to whom Lamson sold the rifles.
| GOOD–$1,350 | FINE–$3,500 |
U.S. MODEL 1863 RIFLE-MUSKET, TYPE I, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1863. Total production: 273,265.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 8 lbs. 12 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate and on face of bolster; “1863” near rear of lock plate; “V / P” over eagle head on upper left barrel flat; “1863” on top flat of barrel; “U.S.” on tang of butt stock; inspector’s initials on left flat of stock opposite lock.
