Colt Model 1861 Special Musket .58 Cal 40″ Percussion Muzzleloader Antique
SOLD FOR: $2225
LSB#: 220109RB009
Make: Colt
Model: Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1863, Antique
Caliber: .58 Cap & Ball
Action Type: Percussion Muzzle-Loaded Rifle-Musket
Markings: The lock is marked “1863” behind the hammer and “U.S. / COLT’S PT FA MFG Co / HARTFORD CT” ahead of the hammer. The cone is marked with the Great Seal of the United States (an eagle). The top of the butt-plate is marked “US” and “C”. The top of the chamber is marked “1863” while the right side is marked “V / P” above an eagle’s head above “FEM”. The front of the trigger guard is marked “M” and the rear end is marked “C”. The top tang is marked “T”.
Barrel Length: 40”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed by the muzzle. The rear sight assembly features three “V”-notch folding leaves fixed just ahead of the chamber. In the down position, the first leaf is marked “1”, the center leaf is marked “3” and the tallest leaf is marked “5”.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The refinished wood stock features a metal nose cap, a slot in the forend for the included ramrod, a total of three barrel bands (the center barrel band has a fixed sling swivel), a sling swivel fixed to the front of the trigger guard, a straight wrist, a straight comb and a semi-crescent butt-plate. The stocks have only a few light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. The LOP is 13.5” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. The butt-plate has some light surface oxidation and light handling marks. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition for an Antique.
Type of Finish: Bright with a Blued rear sight
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright with faded rifling. There is some light-moderate erosion concentrated in the grooves.
Overall Condition: The gun has no metal finish. The blued rear sight has had most of its finish wear off. Otherwise, there are some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs on the gun’s metal surfaces. Notably, there are few scattered patches of light surface oxidation in addition to some oil stains concentrated on the hammer and nipple. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are only lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the gun is in Fine condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this muzzleloader. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: There is a ramrod included with the rifle-musket marked “K”. The ramrod has only light handling marks and remains in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt manufactured Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket which was fabricated in 1863. It is estimated that some 75,000 Model 1861 Special Rifle-Muskets were made by Colt between 1861-1865 to meet the Northern Government’s demand for firearms during the Civil War; they were supplied both to the Federal Government and a number of Northern State Militias. The Model 1861 Special Rifle Musket was patterned on the British Empire’s standard issue long-gun the Enfield Land Pattern 1853, while Colt manufactured the vast majority of these rifle-muskets a number of smaller gunsmiths also supplied the Federal Government with a number of these guns.
Despite some superficial handling wear and oxidation, this specimen is well preserved with crisp markings and it remains mechanically sound. This is a great example of a Civil War weapon system that the ordinary foot soldiers on both sides of the conflict marched into battle with. The gun should appeal to Civil War history aficionados and fans of Colt. Good luck on your bid!