US Civil War Model 1861 Rifled Musket, S.T.Norris & W.T.Clement Contract
(7 photos)
$1895.00
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 Original era manufacture. A very nice condition, three band, .58 caliber muzzle loading rife as used by both sides during the American Civil War 1861-1865. This particular contract was let to Norris & Clement by the State of Massachusetts. During the Civil War over 1,500,000 .58 rifled muskets were produced by Springfield Arsenal and other contractors. Of that total production only 11,000 were produced by Norris & Clement. The metal fittings of the rifle are in Arsenal Bright, and show only the slightest amount of darkening and corrosion around the vent cone. The markings are crisp and clear and the year date of 1864 may be seen on both the lockplate and barrel tang. The lock functions properly with a secure hold at half cock. There are traces of a cartouche on the stock opposite of the lock below the right hand securing bolt. There are no cracks in the wrist or elsewhere on the stock with only two major dings in the wood, one at the bottom of the trigger guard, and the other on the rarmrod channel midway between the 1st and 2nd barrel band. Beyond normal denting from handling the only detrimental comment regarding the stock is that a protective coat of varnish was applied many years ago. The ramrod is original with the threads at the base for worm and screw. Loads of rifling present when you insert your finger in the muzzle and give it a twist, they are very noticable. A very fine example and one which has resided in the same Massachusetts family for over 70 years.
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