This Civil War longarm is a .58 caliber Special Model 1861, single-shot muzzleloader as produced by Colt in Hartford, CT. As many as one hundred thousand such weapons were produced for the U.S. Ordnance Department during the war years.

All parts of this gun have been heavily cleaned, buffed, and/or sanded. So, gun metal has a bright finish with well-worn marks and edges. Likewise, the wood stock exhibits well-worn edges.

All gunmetal is clean and bright. Lock surface is also bright with wear. “1864” stamped behind the hammer. Lock markings with the “U.S. / COLT’S PT F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT.” are thin and worn in front of the hammer. Breech area of the barrel exhibits some pitting. No date visible on breech or tang. Proof marks are on the barrel facet. “STEEL” is stamped on left side of barrel just above stock. Mechanics crisp. Bore is clear with strong rifling. Small areas of pitting. This type musket was produced without barrel springs. The three screw-tightened barrel bands are correct and in place. Retains its original steel straight-shank ramrod that has the threaded tip. The butt plate is faintly stamped “US”.

Black walnut stock has a smooth surface. There is a hair line crack emanating from behind the bolster and following the grain in the wood toward the wrist of the stock. It is hard to determine where the crack ends, but appears to run about 2 inches. No cartouches can be seen.

This is a solid, representative specimen of the Colt Special Model rifle-musket.  [jet]

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