This original Civil War shoulder arm is a Colt “Special Model 1861” contract rifle musket made from 1861 to 1865 by the Colt Manufacturing Co. of Hartford, Connecticut. Though no serial numbers were used during the production of the M1861 Special musket, records indicate that some 100,000 such muskets were produced during that period with many supplied for various state sub-contracts.

Longarm is a percussion, .58 caliber, single-shot muzzleloader with the standard 40” round barrel and three iron barrel bands. No band springs. Lockplate markings are standard Colt Special markings: “U. S. / COLT’S P^T F. A. M^FG C^O / HARTFORD, C^T” in front of the hammer and “1862” date behind. Spread-winged eagle stamped on the side of the bolster below the nipple. All markings are crisp and clear.

All gun metal is a bright, clean, and smooth. Barrel markings are clear with proof marks “V / P/ eaglehead” on the left barrel breech facet, with “N.J.” and “STEEL” under that.  A sharp matching date “1862” stamped on top of the breech.

Original ramrod is present complete with good threaded end. There is the blued two-leaf rear sight and typical front blade sight / bayonet lug on the barrel. The three screw-type barrel bands are all stamped with a “U”. Sling swivels at the trigger guard and the middle band. Mechanics are strong and crisp. Bore is bright and clean except for small patches of corrosion at the muzzle. Butt plate is stamped with worn “US”.

Black walnut stock is in very good original condition. Strong wood with usual small nicks and dings. Stock flat opposite the hammer has “N.J” and smaller “oc” stamps remaining.

A classic M1861 Colt Special Model musket with nice early date.  [jet] [ph:L]

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