For sale in this lot 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 1861s 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. The company of William Mason of Taunton, Massachusetts received and filled a contract for 30,000 Model 1861s. This example is one of this contract which was delivered in 1863. All Model 1861 rifled muskets were .58 caliber and designed to fire the effective hollow base Minie Bullet. All had 40ó barrels, three barrel bands and a clean-out screw in the bolster. All also had iron mountings, were finished bright (not blued), fitted with walnut stocks and steel ram rods. This fine example shows clear lock plate markings WM. MASONó over TAUNTONó and the rear of the lock plate is dated 1863. The top breech end of the barrel is also dated 1863 and contains the correct standard U.S. proof marks consisting of a V Pó over eagle head. There is also a U.S.ó stamp on the top of the butt plate. It retains the correct and original three folding leaf rear sight with the two folded leaves marked 3ó and 5ó for yardage in hundreds. The left side of the stock opposite the lock retains the correct and desirable two sharp inspector cartouches. Having these on the stock shows that this was the original, issued stock and not a replacement which would not have inspector cartouche stampings. This example is exceptional in that unlike most Model 1861s found on the collector market today, it has never been polished or cleaned bright, which would diminish the collector value. All metal parts show a lovely deep aged patina and even retain a good deal of old dried storage grease that has never been cleaned off! It also retains the correct original sling swivels, has a tight and excellent mechanical action and even has a bright excellent rifled bore! 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 as ex-soldier pioneers. One of the most historical of U.S. Military rifles, the 1861 Percussion Rifled Musket in this exceptional, unaltered condition is a much valued and sought after item on the collector market today. The rifle qualifies as an Antique Long Gun, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: NSN. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer۪s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.