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US MODEL 1861 CONTRACT RIFLE MUSKET - DATED 1863 - BY E. ROBINSON OF NEW YORK, FROM THE YORK SPRINGS, PA GAR POST
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$2,250.00
Quantity Available: 1
Item Code: 1202-276
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Edward Robinson had US contracts for a total of 47,000 rifled muskets. The first contract was dated June 10th 1863, with subsequent contracts up to October 4th 1864. A total of 30,000 were delivered.
All gun metal on this rifle is smooth with matching dark brown patina and a few areas of light surface rust. A strong spread-winged eagle motif is stamped on lock plate between hammer and bolster. Under the eagle is “U.S.” In front of this and under the bolster is the maker’s stamp, “E. ROBINSON / NEW YORK”. Behind the hammer is the date, “1863”. The 40” long barrel has the original two-leaf rear sight and small blade front sight. Barrel shows moderate pitting around the breech and bolster. The date “1863” is faintly discernable on the top of the breech. Proof marks “V / P / eagle head” are likewise weak on upper left facet of the breech. Barrel bore is clear with light brown corrosion and strong rifling. Screw heads are in good shape, with the exception of the bolster clean out screw, that is broken off. Butt plate bears the “US” stamp. Mechanics are crisp and strong. The nipple is also broken off about half way up. Retains its original swelled shank, tulip-head steel ramrod with a threaded end. The top approximate 3 inches are slightly bent inward. Barrel bands are present, except the middle band, which has been off of the gun a very long time. The plum brown patina of the barrel continues as if the band has missing since the war. Sling swivels are both missing.
Black walnut full stock is in good condition overall. Inspector’s initials “GEC” (George E. Chamberlain 1862-79) are stamped on the left side of breech. There are no cracks and only the usual dings and dents from use and storage. A few small missing slivers along the nose piece/ ramrod channel. Wood retains dark original color and finish.
The Miller Post had been chartered (or “mustered”) July 2, 1887, and was named after a member of the 30th Pennsylvania killed at South Mountain, and was disbanded sometime between 1919 and February 1924. David Starry had served twice in the Civil War. Born Feb. 10, 1847, in Adams County, he was a farm laborer when he lied about his age to enlist October 16, 1862, as a substitute for Rufus King. Overstating his age by three years, mustering into U.S. service at Gettysburg November 6 as a musician (drummer) with Co. A, 165th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was honorably discharged with his company July 28, 1863, in Gettysburg. This was a regiment of “drafted militia” and Starry went in as a substitute, so there may have been some cash involved.
He enlisted a second time February 1, 1864, mustering in as a Private in Co. B of 21st PA Cavalry on February 3, 1864, and mustering out with the company July 8, 1865. This was the second iteration of the regiment, which had originally organized for just six months in 1863. This time they saw service first as infantry in the 5th Corps, fighting at Cold Harbor and at Petersburg with significant losses, then at Jerusalem Plank Road, the Mine Explosion, Weldon Railroad, Peebles Farm, and Poplar Spring Church. It was mounted again in October, and saw continued action in Gregg’s Division at Boydton Plank Road, Weldon Railroad, and Hatcher’s Run. Men who had lost their horses by this point were returned to infantry service at Petersburg and the remainder took part in Dinwiddie Court House, Five Forks, Amelia Springs (where they lost 98 of 234 engaged,) Sailor’s Creek and Farmville. In a little over one year of service they had lost 4 officers and 147 men killed, mortally wounded or died of disease, and another 14 officers and 253 men wounded.
Starry returned to Adams County after the war, married in 1868 and reared twelve children. His six sons acted as pallbearers when he died in June 1925. Two of them lived in York Springs, but we note that his obituary states he died at the home of a daughter. Whether he was living there, with one of his sons, or on his own is unclear, but it was a large family. By Tom Gordon’s recollection the house was on Hanover Street. We know from the February 1924 obituary of another former member of the Miller Post #551, that the post had disbanded by that point and the family knew that Starry had been entrusted with the relics as the youngest member of the post. Ironically, he was outlived by at least one other member, who died in 1931, reportedly as the last survivor.
A nice contract musket of the Civil War, from a local GAR Post, with a possible battle of Gettysburg connection. [stp][ph:L]
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