E. Whitney Model 1851 Percussion Rifle .69 Caliber 42” Antique US Marked

SOLD FOR: $3,025.00

LSB#: WY241202MH074

Make: E. Whitney

Model: 1851 Percussion Musket

Serial Number: NVSN (No Visible Serial Number)

Year of Manufacture: 1851 (Antique)

Caliber: .69 Caliber

Action Type: Percussion Lock, Single Shot

Barrel Length: 42”

Sights / Optics: The musket features a blade front sight and a fixed rear notch, standard for military muskets of this era.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The musket is stocked in walnut, with two cartouches stamped on the opposite side of the lock, indicating government acceptance and inspection. The buttplate is marked “US”, further verifying its military use. The stock shows typical handling marks, dents, and wear from military service, but remains structurally intact. The wood rates in good overall condition, displaying an honest, well-worn patina consistent with its age.

Type of Finish: Aged Patina

Finish Originality: Original

Markings: The lock plate behind the hammer is marked “N. HAVEN 1851”, while the front of the lock plate is marked “E. WHITNEY / US”, indicating manufacture by Eli Whitney Jr.’s factory in New Haven, Connecticut. The buttplate is marked “US”, standard for U.S. military arms of the period.

The chamber is marked “US” over “SK” over “VP” over “STEEL B”, indicating that it was inspected and proofed to military standards. The tang is marked “1850”, possibly denoting an earlier-dated component fitted during assembly or refurbishment.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with strong sharp rifling, and the bore rate 9/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This musket retains an aged patina, with expected wear on the barrel, lock, and furniture. The markings remain legible, though softened in areas due to handling and age. The wood has scattered dings and dents, but the musket remains historically intact with no major structural damage. Overall, this musket rates in good condition for its age.

Mechanics: The lock functions correctly. The hammer holds at both half and full cock, and the percussion system is intact. 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 E. Whitney Model 1851 Percussion Musket represents a crucial transition period in U.S. military arms history, as the country moved away from flintlock ignition toward more reliable percussion systems. Eli Whitney Jr.’s factory in New Haven, Connecticut, was an important supplier of military arms, producing muskets that saw use in the antebellum period, the American Civil War, and beyond.

This particular musket, dated 1851 on the lock and 1850 on the tang, features all appropriate U.S. military markings, including government proof and acceptance cartouches, indicating it was inspected and accepted for service. The chamber markings (“US,” “SK,” “VP,” and “STEEL B”) confirm it met military specifications.

For collectors of early U.S. military firearms, Civil War enthusiasts, and historians, this E. Whitney 1851 Musket is a well-preserved and historically significant piece. Its solid mechanical condition, military acceptance markings, and authentic patina make it a valuable addition to any collection of 19th-century U.S. military arms. 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.