This 1861 contract rifle musket made by the Savage Revolving Firearms Company in 1864 is complete, all original and in very good to fine condition. The metal is smooth and bright, with good markings. The wood has good edges, a tight fit, and minor handling and storage marks. All sights, sight leaves, bands, springs, swivels and the ramrod are in place.

The lockplate is dated 1864 at rear and marked forward of the hammer with an American eagle over a “U.S.” and “SAVAGE R. F. A. Co. / MIDDLETOWN Ct.” There is some rubbing to the right center of the eagle and the “S.” The barrel has sharp V/P/[eaglehead] proofs at left breech and a matching 1864 date on the top flat. There some very light pinprick pitting around the nipple, which is from percussion caps and a nice indication the rifle saw action. There is a small area of small pitting just behind the upper and middle bands, and a slight vise mark just forward of the bolster indicating the metal was carefully cleaned at some point. The sight has nice thin blue and the rest of the metal is bright, which is correct. There are just some scattered thin gray spots.

The wood has good color, finish, and good edges along the barrel, the lock apron, and side flat, though the latter shows pressure dents, scratches and a stamped letter “B” that obscure any cartouches. The butt flat is very good on both sides, with just minor handling marks and a few dings along the belly. The forestock has good edges along the barrel, again with just minor handling marks. The ramrod channel shows some chipping along the sides, mostly above the middle band, which is common in issued rifles from the soldier returning his ramrod in haste. The lock apron is sharp, with just the tiniest flake on the lower forward edge. Mechanics work fine.  The bore, while it has good rifling, does exhibit pitting in places.

The Savage Revolving Firearms Company, named for its earlier pistol production, received a contract for 25,000 1861 Springfield pattern rifle muskets in September 1862. Deliveries started in June 1863 and extended through November 1864. The company had delivered some 13,500 by February 1864, when a second contract was given for 12,000 rifles, effectively extending the order to 25,500.

This is a very nice-looking Model 1861 contract rifle musket- the basic infantry weapon of the Union soldier, and more than a few Confederates, who were happy to acquire them. This would look great as the focal point for an infantry collection.  [sr]  [ph:L]

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