Here is an original, 1864-dated Model 1861 .58 caliber “Whitneyville Contract” percussion rifle-musket in poor to fair condition overall. The musket was a product of Eli Whitney’s firm he called the “Whitneyville-Armory production facility in Connecticut circa 1850-70. The single-shot muzzleloader retains a veteran appearance and appears never to have been cleaned. Barrel exhibits a dark plum patina overall with moderate pinprick rusting scattered about the metal. Musket retains its original lockplate with the ‘standard eagle motif’ over ‘U.S’ to the right of the hammer and the date “1864” behind the hammer. Under bolster is “WHITNEYVILLE” in strong sharp stampings. Eagle motif is almost gone and the “U.S.” mark is thin.

Musket has original stock, iron nipple, bolster screw, “C” shaped hammer, butt plate and lower and upper barrel bands which are rust pitted. Middle band is an original but not a Whitney piece. Mechanics crisp and strong. Breech area near the nipple and bolster area reflects heavier pitting from use and bolster is pocked. Two-leaf rear sight is a replacement. Black walnut stock is in fair to good condition overall, not cleaned. Does have numerous dings and dents and two light surface cracks on right side of the buttstock and the edges are worn down. No government cartouches visible. Top flat of barrel breech area shows no date or government proof marks on the left facet, pitted away. Triggerguard and tang painted black at one time. Musket has no ramrod.

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