This is a Model 1861 Special musket manufactured by the Colt Patented Fire Arms Company of Hartford, Connecticut. Colt produced 100,000 of these .58 caliber muzzleloaders between 1861 and 1865. The weapon has an overall length of 56" with a 40" barrel. These were originally produced with the national bright finish, with bluing applied to the nipple, rear sight and some of the screw heads. This on has been browned on all the metal parts except the lockplate and hammer. The barrel has a smooth, brown appearance, with traces of the original bright finish showing through here and there. The bore has begun to darken and has very slight pitting. The rifling is still strong and gages out at .59 caliber. There are no stamps visible on the top of the barrel. The bolster does have an eagle motif stamped on it, but it is very faint. The front sight doubles as a bayonet lug. The blued rear sight is the two leaf style, original to the weapon. The lockplate is stamped 1862 behind the hammer. Forward of the hammer it is stamped U.S/COLT'S PT F.A. MFG Co./HARTFORD CT. The action works perfectly, locking in both the half and full cock positions. The patina of the lockplate is a dull gray/silver, while the hammer still has the case hardened appearance. All three barrel bands are stamped with the letter U, with the front sling swivel being mounted on the middle band. The bands are of the clamping type and use no springs to retain them. The trigger guard has no stamps, and the rear barrel band is attached to the trigger bow. The butt plate is stamped US and fits the walnut stock perfectly. The tulip head ramrod has a straight shank. The stock is dark and shows normal wear and dumps from handling. There are no age cracks or wood loss present anywhere on the stock. There is one faint cartouche on the stock flat opposite the lockplate. If you collect American Civil War longarms it won't be complete without one of these! Beautiful rifle priced to move on down the road.

Item # AA908

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