This fine, original Civil War weapon is a .58 caliber “S. Norris & W.T. Clement” contract Model 1863, single-shot muzzleloader in very good overall condition.  The Norris & Clement contract musket was a product of the Samuel Norris and W.T. Clement factory of Springfield, Massachusetts.  Some three thousand longarm weapons were produced by the firm directly for the State of Massachusetts during the years of 1863 and 1864.

All the iron components have matching color and wear. Butt plate tang is marked “US” and also has a lightly stamped “31”; the 3 and the 1 being on either side of the US.  Lock markings are the “Eagle / US” and “S.N. & W.T.C. / for / MASSACHUSETTS” and are beautifully sharp and clear.   The “S” shaped hammer, with its beveled contours, wears the same patina as the rest of the iron components.  Rear of lockplate at the hammer is marked with “1864”, as is the top barrel breech. The flat bolster also bears an eagle. Proof marks “V / P/ Eaglehead” are lightly stamped on the barrel.  Mechanics are strong and crisp. Barrel wears a fine, mottled gray / plum patina. Bore is bright and rifling strong. Front and rear sights are complete and in good order. Steel, tulip shaped ramrod is original and in fine condition. No inspector cartouches are visible on the stock. Two ¼” high letters, “I.C”, are stamped into the right side of the shoulder stock and on the top of the barrel at the breech.No other markings visible. The dark, black walnut stock surface is clean and exhibits moderate dings and scuff marks overall.

A wonderful M1863 U.S. Rifled musket by Norris & Clement “for Massachusetts”.  [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!

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