This Model 1861, .58 caliber, percussion rifle-musket, dated 1863, is in complete, fine condition. Produced at the Alfred Jenks & Co facility in Bridesburg, PA. The 40” long barrel exhibits just a few scattered areas of very light pitting, mostly near breech. Barrel, lockplate, C-shaped hammer, butt plate, bands, trigger guard, rear sight, and ramrod all wear the same mottled, tarnished silver look. Lock plate is stamped “U. S. / BRIDESBURG” in front of the hammer and strongly stamped “1863” behind hammer. A sharp and detailed spread-winged eagle motif is stamped on lockplate between hammer and bolster.

Steel butt plate strongly stamped with “U S”. Musket also exhibits sub-inspector marks on major components. Has the original two-leaf rear sight and small blade front sight. Barrel date stamp on the breech top flat is obscured by surface pitting. Barrel bore is clean and has very good rifling. All lock screws are excellent with no buggering. Bolster “clean-out” screw may be replacement. Government proof marks “V / P / eaglehead” on left facet of the breech are sharp. A small sub-inspector mark is below the proof letter V. Mechanics are crisp.

Black walnut full stock is in very good condition overall. Has clean edge contours on the flat opposite the hammer. Stock exhibits two faint government cartouches and a sub-inspector mark on the flat. There are two hair-line cracks emanating from the butt plate, 1 ½” long, otherwise no blemishes in the wood save usual tiny dings and dents from use and storage. Retains its steel, swelled shank, tulip-head steel ramrod with a threaded tip, all in excellent condition.

A fine representative Bridesburg contract musket of the Civil War.  [jet]

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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.