Produced at the Whitney Armory near New Haven, Connecticut in the middle of the Civil War, this original, worn condition naval long arm is often referred to as either the Plymouth Rifle, the Whitneyville Rifle or the Dahlgren Rifle.   Manufactured under a US government contract of July 1861, the weapon is a .69 caliber, single shot, two-band muzzleloader.

Overall length of the weapon is 50” while its round barrel measures 34” in length and bears the distinct three-groove rifling. Bore is clear with light pitting throughout.  Barrel has the small, iron blade front sight and the large, unique long range, leaf-style rear sight graduated to 1,000 yards.  Barrel markings show “1863” atop breech with additional “6862” stamped on breech tang. Viewer’s proof and eagle head marks are visible on left facet. Barrel exhibits fine surface rust overall.

The well-worn lockplate is marked in front of the “C” shaped hammer with remnants of the “Whitney-ville” line only. All other marks are gone. Behind the hammer is “1863”. Swivels are mounted on bottom of the read band and on the toe of the butt stock. Iron trigger guard.  Rifle features a large bayonet lug affixed to the barrel’s muzzle on the right side that is fitted to accept a long saber bayonet.  The lug is unnumbered. Mechanics are strong and crisp. Pitting and with surface rust overall. Weapon retains its original steel ramrod with its large cylindrical head with threads.

Black walnut stock is oil finished and exhibits hard wear and edge loss along barrel, ramrod channel and butt plate. Usual dings and dents from use and storage.

The accompanying saber bayonet is about 27 ½” long while the blade itself is 22 5/8” long.  The blade has no edge nicks but has the same light surface rust as the rifle. It has a worn maker’s stamp “COLLINS & CO. / HARTFORD / CONN” on the left or reverse ricasso.  Obverse ricasso is blank. The 4 ¾” long, all-brass cast hilt is secured to the tang by a single transverse steel pin through the guard.  The brass ribbed grip is strong and displays normal wear. Upper grip area is stamped with serial #3146 on the top surface. Inspector’s initial’s, “FCW” are stamped on the butt of the pommel. Brass has a mellow reddish patina.

A complete Civil War rifle and saber bayonet that needs a little surface cleaning.   [jet]

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