Springfield Armory Model 1861 Percussion Rifle – Musket, MFD Trenton NJ Contract – Antique
Sold For: $2,805
Make: Springfield Armory (Subcontracted to the Trenton Locomotive & Machine Company)
Model: 1861 U.S. Rifle-Musket
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: 1864
Caliber: .58 Ball
Action Type: Single Shot, Muzzle Loading Cap & Ball
Markings: The lockplate is marked “1862”, “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” and with an Eagle. The top of the chamber is marked “1864”. The left side of the chamber is marked “V.P” over Eagle’s Head over “N.J”. The stock is marked with “NJ” in an oval below the “N.J” on the chamber. These are New Jersey inspection marks. (http://www.relicman.com/weapons/zArchiveWeaponMusketModel1861Trenton.htm). The top of the buttplate is marked “US”. The front and center barrel bands are marked “U”. The underside of the butt is marked “US”, just to the rear of the bottom metal.
Barrel Length: Approximately 40”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post. The rear sight is made up of three separate “V” notched blades that flip up into position for successively longer distances. The first blade is marked “1” and the second is marked “3”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nose cap, three barrel bands, a cleaning rod, two sling loops and a metal buttplate. The nose of the stock has a few thin cracks. One crack is on the edge and is more pronounced. The rest of the stock has very light handling and compression marks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine Condition overall condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: In the White
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is light erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle was issued unfinished. The balance of the finish shows wear, light scratches, some surface erosion and light pitting. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a reproduction 18” bayonet. It fits the rifle and is marked “INDIA” on the inside of the base. It shows wear, small scratches and some surface erosion. It is in about Very Good condition. The rifle also comes with an unmarked brown leather sling that shows wear, cracks and staining. It is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: Over 1,000,000 1861 U.S. Percussion Rifle-Muskets were made during the Civil War. Springfield Armory was the main supplier, delivering 265,129 units between 1861 and 1862. Many subcontracts were issued to complete all orders. The Trenton Contract was given to the Trenton Locomotive and Machine Company; between 1863 and 1864 they produced 21,995 1861 Rifle-Muskets. See pages 39 and 40 of “The Standard Catalog of Civil War Firearms” by John F. Graf. See also pages 570 and 571 of “Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms”, 9th Edition, by Norm Flayderman. This 1861 Rifle-Musket has Trenton Contract markings on the barrel and stock, but it appears a standard Springfield Armory lock plate was used. Mismatching of parts did occur as these Rifle-Muskets were produced during the war in large numbers. The bayonet is an aftermarket reproduction.
