Produced at the Whitney Armory near New Haven, Connecticut in the middle of the Civil War, this original, fine condition naval long arm is often referred to as the “Plymouth Rifle”, the Whitneyville Rifle or the ‘Dahlgren Rifle”. Manufactured under a US government contract of July 1861, the weapon is a .69 caliber, single shot, two-band muzzleloader. One of only 10,000 rifle produced in 1864, this big bore rifle was designed especially for naval boarding parties and also for arming shore-landing elements.

Overall length of the weapon is 50” while its round, factory-bright barrel measures 34” in length and bears the distinct three-groove rifling. Barrel has the small, iron blade front sight and the large, unique long range, leaf-style rear sight graduated to 1,000 yards. Barrel markings show “1863” at top breech. Barrel tang boasts # “6440” but the numbers stamped are not serial and were applied by Whitney to match up the saber bayonets provided by the Collins Company. Clear “V /P/ eaglehead” proof marks on left facet with inspector marks “F.C.W.” (Frank C. Warner) on the left flat. Barrel exhibits a gunmetal / dusky patina.

Black walnut stock is oil finished and exhibits minor dings and dents from normal use and storage. Weapon exhibits is marked in front of the “C” shaped hammer with eagle-shield motif over “U.S.” Behind the hammer is a clear “1863”. A single-line, maker marking “WHITNEY VILLE” lies below the bolster. Swivels are mounted on bottom of the middle band and on the toe of the butt stock. Iron trigger guard has an integral spur finger grip. Rifle features a large bayonet lug affixed to the barrel’s muzzle on the right side that is fitted to accept a twenty-two and one-half inch long, curved saber bayonet. Mechanics are strong and crisp. Rifling is sharp with very light pitting and some surface grime. Weapon retains its original steel ramrod with its large cylindrical head and threaded tip.

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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