Original, 1863-dated, .58 caliber Model 1861 “Savage Arms” contract percussion rifle-musket in good condition overall. Specimen is a product of the Savage Revolving Fire Arms Company of Middletown, Connecticut circa 1862-64. Savage was a major contractor in the Civil War who supplied the government with some 25,500 such muskets for the army.

This rifled, single-shot muzzleloader retains a pleasing appearance. Barrel exhibits a gray sheen overall with some light to moderate mottling scattered over its length. There is just a scant bit of pitting in areas, especially at the barrel, bolster / breech area. Musket retains its 40” long round barrel with two-leaf rear sight, blade front sight, original nipple, high profile hammer, heavily pitted steel ramrod with its threaded tip, original barrel bands (first band reversed), both sling swivels, and buttplate. Buttplate tang is stamped with “U.S” along with “61^ST / K / 46.”

Black walnut stock is in good condition overall and wears a handsome patina. Stock bears one thin government cartouche visible on the flat opposite the hammer. Carved into the wood just to the rear of the barrel tang is a 5^th Corps badge with a red enameled center. Carving meas. approx. 0.75 of an inch in height and width. Some enamel has scratched off. Stock flat edges are smoothed down. Dings and dents are visible on the stock. Hammer does not hold half cock but does hold full and hammer falls when trigger depressed. Stock cheek is lightly carved with the initials “W.J.G.” These initials are outlined in white surgical tape so they can be found. Tape can be easily removed if desired.

Bolster has worn screw. Stamped on lockplate in front of hammer is a spreadwinged eagle motif above letters “U S.” Just forward is the two-line maker address “SAVAGE R. F. A. Co / MIDDLETOWN, Ct.” A clean date “1863” stamped on lockplate behind hammer. Top flat of breech has light pitting with strong date “1863” visible. Government proof marks “V / P / eagle head” strong and visible on the left facet of barrel.

Bore is black and filthy. Some rifling visible.

Weapon is identified to William J. Gallagher of Company K, 61^st Massachusetts Infantry.

Gallagher was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on February 6, 1845 and at some point moved to Boston.

He enlisted for 100 days on August 5, 1864 and was assigned to the 16^th Company of Unattached Massachusetts Infantry. At the time of his enlistment he was a 19 year old cloth cutter who stood 5’ 8” tall with blue eyes and light hair. He was mustered out on November 14, 1864 at the expiration of his enlistment.

Gallagher reenlisted for one year on February 8, 1865 and was assigned to Company K, 61^st Massachusetts Infantry. He was with the regiment during the final days of the siege of Petersburg seeing action at Ft. Sedgwick and Fort Mahone. The regiment took part in the final assault on Petersburg and was one of the first regiments to enter the city. They helped extinguish a fire set on the bridge across the Appomattox river enabling the army to continue their pursuit of the retreating Confederates. When the war ended the regiment was at City Point guarding prisoners captured at Saylor’s Creek. The regiment then took part in the Grand Review and was mustered out at Arlington, Virginia on July 16, 1865. Muster out records show that Gallagher owed the Government $6.00 for arms and equipment and may reflect the purchase of this musket.

After the war William Gallagher raised a family of 8 children one of which he lost during the Spanish American War. He was active in the GAR being a member of Dahlgren Post #2 in South Boston. He died on October 29, 1919 at the age of 74.

Military and pension records come with the item.  [ad]

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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.