Colt Model 1861 Special Musket .58 Caliber Percussion 40” 1864 U.S. Marked
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: WY241202MH088
Make: Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company
Model: 1861 Special Musket
Serial Number: NVSN (No Serial Number Used on These Models)
Year of Manufacture: 1864 (Antique)
Caliber: .58 Caliber
Action Type: Percussion, Single-Shot Muzzleloader
Barrel Length: 40” Round Barrel
Sights / Optics: The musket features a blued, two-leaf rear sight and a bayonet lug/blade front sight, standard for the Model 1861 Special Musket.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The musket is stocked in black walnut, exhibiting a beautiful, original color and finish. The stock flat opposite the hammer retains evidence of two cartouches, verifying its U.S. military acceptance. A third cartouche is located behind the trigger guard tang. There is a repair at the wrist, showing signs of period reinforcement. The stock shows only minor handling marks, with no major cracks or structural damage, and rates in very good original condition.
Type of Finish: Original Bright Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Markings: The barrel markings are deep and clear, including the proof marks “V / P / eaglehead” on the breech facet, inspector’s initials “M.L.H” and “STEEL” on the left chamber, and a sharply stamped “1864” date on the breech top.
The lockplate markings are standard for Colt’s military contract muskets, featuring “U.S. / COLT’S PT F. A. MFG CO / HARTFORD, CT” under the bolster. The spread-winged eagle stamp is present on the bolster below the nipple, and the 1864 production date is crisply stamped behind the hammer.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with apparent rifling, showing signs of use and corrosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: The musket retains its original bright steel finish, showing only minor age-related toning. The barrel is held in place by three iron barrel bands, secured by screws rather than band springs, a distinct feature of the Colt Model 1861 Special Musket. The butt plate, trigger guard, sling swivels, and nose cap are all present and in excellent condition, exhibiting only minor handling wear. The original ramrod is intact and in very good condition with its threaded tip. The musket also retains a chained nipple protector, which remains in fair condition. The screw heads remain sharp, and all metal components exhibit small sub-inspector stamps. Overall, this musket rates in very good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer locks securely at both half and full cock, and the trigger pull is crisp. The lockplate operates smoothly, and the nipple remains in excellent condition. We did not fire this musket. As with all antique firearms, a thorough inspection and cleaning may be necessary before use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1861 Special Musket was one of the finest percussion rifles produced under U.S. military contract during the Civil War, made by Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. Manufactured from 1861 to 1865, Colt produced approximately 100,000 of these muskets, many of which were supplied under state contracts.
Colt’s 1861 Special Musket was an improved and highly refined version of the standard Springfield Model 1861, featuring tighter tolerances, a more streamlined bolster design, and screw-retained barrel bands instead of band springs. The high manufacturing quality of these muskets heavily influenced the later development of the Springfield Model 1863 and Model 1864 rifled muskets.
This particular musket, dated 1864, is an outstanding survivor from the Civil War era, featuring deep, crisp barrel markings, a fair bore, resilient rifling, and some military cartouches. The black walnut stock is in very good condition, with visible cartouches opposite the lock and behind the trigger guard tang, and a repaired wrist that shows signs of period reinforcement. The musket also retains a chained nipple protector, a component that is often missing from surviving examples.
For collectors of U.S. military firearms, Civil War historians, and black powder enthusiasts, this Colt 1861 Special Musket represents one of the finest percussion rifles of its time. With exceptional mechanics, a stunning bore, and well-preserved markings, this is an investment-grade piece of American history, perfect for any serious collection of Civil War-era weaponry. So bid high and bid firm. Please take a look at the condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
