This original, 1863-dated M1861 .58 caliber “Trenton Contract” percussion rifle-musket with its original US Model 1855 angular bayo is a complete specimen in very good condition. A product of the Trenton Locomotive and Machine Company of Trenton, New Jersey, circa 1863-64, it was one of some 11,500 contract rifled-muskets the firm produced for the U.S. government.

This attic-find musket and bayo appear never to have been cleaned or monkeyed with. Retains its original stock, iron nipple, C-shaped hammer, nipple, bolster screw, two-leaf rear sight, swell-shaped ramrod, three barrel bands, springs, swivel sling hooks, triggerguard and butt plate. Interestingly, all three bands show the proper stamping “U” but on the musket’s left side. The 40” long, round barrel has a finely speckled browned surface and exhibits light to moderate pitting at the breech. Clear date stamp “1863” on top flat of breech.

All gunmetal, including the original ramrod, wear a pleasing, smooth plum / grayish brown patina. Upper two inches of the barrel muzzle is bright from the bayo socket resting at the tip. Lock plate is stamped “U S. / TRENTON” in front of the hammer and “1863” stamped behind hammer. A spreadwinged eagle motif is stamped on plate between hammer and bolster. Patina on lockplate matches the entire gun. Has clear stampings with light peppering. Steel butt tang plate strongly stamped with “U S”. Musket also exhibits sub-inspector marks on various components. Barrel has the original two-leaf rear sight and small blade front sight. All barrel bands present. Middle band secures one sling swivel while the triggerguard has the 2nd swivel. Both swivels frozen in place.

The three land & groove rifling is strong but carries areas of light pitting overall. Should clean up to semi-bright. All frame screws are in very good condition with no buggering. Government proof marks “V / P / eaglehead” on left facet of the breech are clear, visible but dark with light rusting. Mechanics strong and crisp.

Black walnut stock is in excellent, untouched condition. Stock flat shows rounded edge contours from use but also retains its two government cartouches above the triggerguard. A partial inspector's mark is stamped into the center left flat and reads “J T _ _ O D _” [J. T. HODGE]. A possible second partial ID visible on the left side shoulder stock. Can’t make out. No cracks or breaks in the wood save dings and dents from use and storage. Retains its swelled shank steel ramrod with its tulip-head and threaded tip in very good condition. The matching M1855 angular socket bayonet is in excellent attic condition and fits nicely on the barrel muzzle. Covered in a light coating of fine rust, the bayo is not cut or shortened and has the “US” stamping on the flat, in addition to a sub inspector mark “J” below. Locking band is also frozen on socket. Else, a very fine untouched bayo.

This M1861 ‘Trenton’ contract rifle-musket / bayonet set is right out of the attic.

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