This original Civil War shoulder arm in excellent overall condition is a Colt Model 1861 “Special” musket made under government contract from 1861 to 1865 by the Colt Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. Though no serial numbers were used during the production of the M1861 Special musket, records indicate that some 100,000 such muskets were produced during that period with many supplied for various state sub-contracts.

This longarm is a percussion, .58 caliber, single-shot muzzleloader with the standard 40” round barrel. Barrel markings are very deep and clear: proof marks “V / P / eaglehead” on the barrel breech facet, inspector’s initials “M.N.M.” and “STEEL” on left side, and a sharp date of “1864” stamped deeply on the breech top. Bore is bright and shows excellent rifling.  Musket exhibits the standard, blued two-leaf rear sight and bayonet lug/blade front sight.

Lockplate markings are standard Colt Special markings with “U. S. / COLT’S P^T F. A. M^FG C^O / HARTFORD, C^T” under the bolster. Matching date “1864” in strong clear numerals behind the hammer. Spread-winged eagle stamped on flat of bolster below the nipple.  Mechanics are strong and crisp.

Barrel is held in place by three iron, screw tightened barrel bands…no band springs on this model. All iron furniture is present and in excellent condition: butt plate, trigger guard, sling swivels, and nose cap. Original ramrod very good with threaded tip. Components exhibit small sub-inspector stamps. All gun metal is original bright.

Black walnut stock is in excellent original condition with very few very minor dings. Beautiful color and finish. Stock flat opposite the hammer shows sharp edges and exhibits two, strong government inspector cartouches. Clear inspector’s initials stamped forward of butt plate tang. All screw heads are in very good condition.

A clean M1861 Colt Special musket in excellent condition.  [jet]

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