Produced at the Whitney Armory near New Haven, Connecticut early in the Civil War, this original, fine condition 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.  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” at top breech amid some pitting.  “V P” and eagle head are visible on left facet. Bore has light oxidation and good rifling. Long saber bayonet lug mounted on right side of muzzle. Barrel exhibits scattered pitting around the breech.

The lockplate is marked in front of the “C” shaped hammer with lightly stamped, large eagle motif next to “U.S. / Whitney-ville.”  Behind the hammer is a clear “1862” date. Swivels are mounted on bottom of the middle band and on the toe of the butt stock. Iron trigger guard with “finger”. Butt plate stamped “US” and has light surface pitting. Mechanics are strong and crisp. All gun metal wears a light brown coating from dried Cosmoline which will clean off easily. Weapon retains its original steel ramrod with large cylindrical head and complete threaded end.

Black walnut stock is oil finished and exhibits very little wear. Crisp edges and a light cartouche on left flat.   [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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