NICE WHITNEY PLYMOUTH NAVY RIFLE, DATED 1863

$3,495.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 490-6953

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These rifles are often referred to as Plymouth Rifles because the initial batch of rifles, from which the contract pattern was derived, were tested on board the USS Plymouth from 1856-1858 under the direction of Captain (later Admiral) Dahlgren. The rifle is a copy of the French Carbine-A-Tige and retains many of the French features, including a finger spur on the trigger guard, the French pattern adjustable rear sight, and the heavy cupped ramrod. When this pattern was officially adopted as the US M-1861 Naval Rifle, Whitney was awarded a contract in July, 1861 to deliver 10,000 at a price of $25 each, including a brass handled saber bayonet.

The first delivery of 100 arms, was made in early February 1863. Some of the first M-1861 Naval Rifles saw service aboard ships with the Atlantic Blockading Squadron. 10,000 pieces were eventually delivered. It has been suggested that many of these rifles never saw service, however, nearly all the rifles were issued to warships and by September of 1864, the Boston Naval yard was turning down requests for the rifles, as there were none available in stores.

All gunmetal on this example are beautifully bright and smooth. The serial number “3986” is clearly stamped on the barrel tang, just behind a clear “1863” date stamp.  Inspector markings are also present and clear on the left facet of the barrel near the breech.  The graduated sight is marked to 1000 yards and the front blade sight is undamaged and sharp. At the muzzle, the saber bayonet attachment lug is firmly affixed and shows scant evidence of ever being used for its intended purpose. The bore of the 34” barrel is clean with strong and pronounced rifling.

The lock plate features a slightly worn yet elaborate eagle alongside a crisp “U.S. / Whitney-Ville” stamp. A matching “1863” date is stamped behind the hammer. The butt plate is stamped “US” and the barrel bands with a “U”.  All mechanics work very well.  The robust, original ramrod is also in excellent condition, and both sling swivels move freely and remain firmly attached.

The walnut stock is in a likewise very good condition with only some small marks from handling or storage. A cartouche is clearly visible on the left flat opposite the lock and two numerical stamps; a “16” near the tang, and a “47” near the butt plate.

An attractive muzzle-loading weapon used during the Civil War, this rifle would feature nicely amongst any collection. [cm/jet] [ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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