Offered for your consideration is a classic Civil War Issue 1861 .58 caliber percussion rifled musket. The Model 1861 was the standard issue muzzle loading rifle throughout the Civil War. Tens of thousands of captured battlefield 1861's were also used by the Confederacy. Period photographs of soldiers on both sides of the war are often seen holding this model rifle. Famed Civil War photographer Matthew Brady made numerous images of the aftermath of battles in which this exact model of rifle is often depicted strewn across corpse-littered battlefields. Since Springfield Armory could not manufacture 1861 muskets in the quantities required for the war effort, the U.S. Government contracted with the best Gunmakers in the Northeast to manufacture these rifles. Charles B. Hoard of Watertown, New York received and filled a contract for 12,800 Model 1861s. This example is one from this contract which was delivered in 1864. All Model 1861 rifled muskets were .58 caliber and designed to fire the effective hollow base Minié ball bullet. All had 40” barrels, three barrel bands and a clean-out screw in the bolster. All also had iron mountings, were finished bright (not blue’d), fitted with walnut stocks and steel ram rods. This fine example shows clear and correct lock plate markings “U.S. WATERTOWN” along with the American Eagle. The rear of the lock plate is also clearly stamped with the manufacture and issue date “1864.” The top breech end of the barrel contains the correct standard U.S. proof marks consisting of a “V P” etc. There is also a “U.S.” stamp on the top of the butt plate. This fine rifle also retains the correct and original three folding leaf rear sight with the two folded leaves marked “3” and “5” for yardage in hundreds. This example is in fine condition and unlike most Model 1861s found on the collector market today, it appears to have never been polished or cleaned bright, which would diminish the collector value. All metal parts show a lovely naturally dulled appearance with only light normal aging. It also retains the correct original sling swivels, has a tight and excellent mechanical action and even has a fine rifled bore! The walnut stock is solid and shows fine overall condition without splits, cracks or chips. The 1861 Rifled Musket saw service throughout the entire Civil War and was in every major battle and minor skirmish. After the war, soldiers often retained their rifles with many traveling west with ex-soldier pioneers. Many were also sold in huge quantities to the West as surplus arms by large arms dealers such as Schuyler, Hartley and Graham of New York City. One of the most historical of U.S. Military rifles, the 1861 Percussion Rifled Musket in this very fine condition is a much valued and sought after item on the collector market today. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.