On November 21^st 1861 John Rice of Philadelphia contracted with the US Ordnance Dept. to supply 36,000 rifled muskets of the US Model 1861 pattern. Like most contractors during the Civil War, Rice had no experience producing firearms. While engaged extensively in mechanical pursuits, Rice did manufacture locks. He was listed by trade as a carpenter; he also did stone work on the US Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Rice intended to rely on sub-contractors to produce the parts he needed. He purchased stocks from an unnamed source, but was drying and finishing them in his own facility. Rice contracted with several New England companies to supply the parts needed to fulfill his contracts: W. Mason of Taunton, MA and J. Hodge & A. Burt (Trenton) to supply the barrels; H.B. Bigelow of New Haven for butt plate and trigger guards; Coleman & Brothers of Springfield for cones; Nicholson & Company of Rhode Island for sights and bands; S. Stowe & Co. of Connecticut for band springs; Dwight and Company for appendages; Essler & Brother of Philadelphia made locks; and Jenks made stocks in 1862.

Knowing the difficulties, Rice was ready to abandon his contract. Asked to adjust his contract, the Ordnance Dept. altered Rice’s schedule to allow 2,000 muskets to be delivered on July 1, 1862 and 2,000 per month thereafter. No records exist that show Rice completed his contracts, but examples have been noted marked “Philadelphia 1862”.

Presented here is a “Philadelphia” US Model 1861 Contract Rifle Musket dated 1862, in excellent condition. A New Jersey purchased musket. “NJ” marked barrel, near proof marks with a “=” stamp before the “N” and a “star” stamp after the “J”. Oval cartouche with letters “NJ” in a circle on check plate. Trenton barrel proof marks “VP / Eagle” indicate a barrel from the factory of James T. Hodge and Addison M. Burt. Walnut stock has minor dings and bruises but no cracks. Minor chip by barrel/tang in wood. Barrel date 1863 with strong “VP/Eagle” markings. Arsenal or regimental markings near butt plate, large letter “A/H3” with sub-inspector’s marks.

Lockplate markings very sharp and crisp. Standard eagle stamp with “U.S./PHILADELPHIA”. “1862” behind hammer. Bore semi-bright with minor areas of pitting. Rifling sharp, needs a good cleaning. All metal furniture with semi-gray patina and smooth, minor age spots on barrel. Mechanically perfect action. Small “star” stamped into the barrel side next to the bolster. All parts original to the firearm with the standard M1861 ramrod.

Comes with a US Model 1855 .58 caliber bayonet in matching condition.

A scarce contract seldom seen on today’s market.

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