Here is an identified, “Bridesburg Contract” Model 1863 Type 1 percussion rifle-musket in good original condition, with its original sling. The .58 caliber long arm is identified to 1^st Sergeant Ephraim Potts of the 203^rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Just cursory research has been done on Potts as yet but he enlisted as a 1^st Sergeant in the 203^rd PA regiment, a one-year unit, on August 17, 1864. The regiment was recruited from the counties of Lycoming, Lancaster, Chester, Delaware and the city of Philadelphia in late August 1864. Organized to serve as sharpshooters, the regiment, whose field and staff were all veteran officers, was soon turned over to regular infantry. Potts served in Company “A” and was later commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant on Feb 15, 1865, just weeks after the regiment’s participation in the bloody fighting at Fort Fisher, N.C. in January. Originally attached to the 2^nd Brigade, 2^nd Division of the 10^th Corps, the 203^rd in December 1864 was moved to the 2^nd Bde of Colonel Pennypacker’s division of Ames 24^th Army Corps.

This rifled musket was a product of the Philadelphia firm of Alfred Jenks & Son, owners and operators of the Bridesburg Machine Works. Jenks received five Army contracts for .58 caliber rifle-muskets from July 1861 through February 1865. The single-shot muzzleloader retains a pleasing, been there appearance and appears never to have been cleaned. Barrel exhibits minor rust oxidation over its surface and wears a mottled light gray patina. In complete condition, this musket retains its original stock, iron nipple, “S-shaped” beveled hammer, straight-shank ramrod, all barrel bands, no band springs, swivel hooks, its original leather rifle sling. Breech area near the nipple and bolster area shows moderate pitting. Mechanics are strong and crisp.

Black walnut stock is in good condition overall with rounded edges and just normal dings and nicks from use and storage. Identification appears hand-carved on the left side of stock and reads “203 REG. CO A. / P V / 2D BRIGADE / 2D DIV / 10^TH A. CORPS”. The stock left flat also exhibits the ID “E. POTTS” while the right side of shoulder stock has “Fort Fisher / DEC 24, 1864 / JAN 14, 15 65.” Flat of the stock opposite the hammer exhibits no government cartouche. Face of the lockplate is thinly stamped with “U.S. / BRIDESBURG” under the bolster and “1864” clearly stamped behind the hammer. Date on the barrel breech is pitted away but the government proof marks “V / P / eagle head” show on the left breech facet. Original tulip-head, steel ramrod rests in the groove in the forend of the stock. Buttstrap stamped with a strong “US”. Light brown leather sling is strong with moderate surface cracking and flaking. Inside of triggerguard has a previous owner’s inventory number etched into the metal.

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