Presented here is a handsome, completely original, Colt-made Federal Civil War lockplate. Made for the Colt Special Model 1861 contract rifle-musket, this seldom-seen, 1863-dated specimen, one of a total of 75,000 arms that used this style lockplate, was part of the government contract awarded for rifled-muskets during the Civil War. The first contract of July 5, 1861 called for the Colt Manufacturing Company of Connecticut to produce 25,000 longarms, followed by 50,000 such arms for the June 2, 1863 contract. There were only some 12,500 '1863' lockplates delivered in 1863 due to the devastating fire at the Hartford, CT factory in February 1864. Lockplate markings exhibit the three-line stamp under the bolster that displays "U.S. / COLT'S Pt F. A. Mfg Co / HARTFORD Ct." Stamping on the plate is readable but it is thin with the word 'Hartford Ct' almost worn away. This Colt lockplate, produced to fit the regulation M1861 rifle, exhibits the "S" shaped curved hammer at the rest position on the face and is complete with the springs and tumbler assembly on the reverse. The date is clearly marked on the lockplate face behind the hammer with "1863". Lockplate exterior appears to have been cleaned at one time and has acquired a dusky gray patina overall. Exterior surface shows scattered spots of dark oxidation. Interior of the lock shows much bluing to the parts and traces of case colors on the screws. This Colt-made lockplate is a fine, mid-war specimen that would add to any Civil War arms collection.

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