CONFEDERATE CAPTURED US CONTRACT MODEL 1861 MUSKET BY NORWICH

$2,950.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 362-866

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This contract Model 1861 by the Norwich Arms Company is in good condition with a very clear and unmistakable “Q” stamped just forward of the trigger guard showing that it was captured, cleaned and repaired by the Confederates and reissued to their troops.

The barrel is very dark with light pitting along the top but heavier around the breech. Rear sight has one flip-up leaf. Front iron blade sight is present at muzzle. Left barrel flat is stamped with a faint “VP” and eagle head that is partially obscured by pitting. Top of the breech has a worn barrel date of 1863. Bore is dark and dirty with faint rifling and some pitting.

The lock is bright with some mottling and moderate pitting. May have been lightly cleaned. There is a crisp “1863” stamped behind the hammer. Forward of it is a good spread-winged eagle and forward of that is “U.S.” over “NORWICH.” Action works properly. Nipple is original but rusted. Clean out screw is badly worn.

The wood stock has numerous small scuffs and scratches with a few scattered small gouges. The flat opposite the lock has no inspector’s cartouche marks. There are no visible cracks however there is some light wear along the ramrod channel but nothing major. Rear most barrel band has a very faint “U” stamping. The front band has the normal clear “U” while the central band has an off center “U” stamping.

Both sling swivels are present. Trigger guard and buttplate are very dark. Buttplate tang has a strong “US.” Tulip shaped swelled shank ramrod is full length with threads at bottom.

This is a nice example of one of these guns that was captured or collected by CS Ordnance teams or civilians and placed into the Confederate cleaning and repair (“C&R”) system for reissue to Confederate troops. Some 200,000 firearms, along with perhaps another 50,000 turned in by CS units, mostly in the eastern theatre, are estimated to have gone through the process at Danville, Staunton, Lynchburg, and Richmond. This rifle bears a CS final inspector’s stamp, “Q,” just forward of the triggerguard tang. The identity of the individual inspector is unknown. Some theorize the letter may be a real initial, but it could be an assigned letter. In any case, the number and variety of guns bearing the mark point to someone working at the Richmond Arsenal/Artillery Workshop.  [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.

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