S. Norris and W.T. Clement U.S. Model 1861 Rifled Musket 40” Percussion .58
SOLD FOR: $1,400.00
LSB#: LSB251005DL008
Make: S. Norris and W.T. Clement , of Springfield, Mass.
Model: 1861 Rifle Musket
Serial#: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: 1861
Caliber: .58 Caliber
Action Type: Percussion, Muzzle Loading, Black Powder
Markings: The lock plate is marked “S.N. & W.T.C. for Massachusetts” “1863”. The top of the barrel is marked “1864” The left side of the barrel has US proofmarks. The right side of the bands are marked “U”
Barrel Length: 40”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a rectangular block at the muzzle. The rear sight is a multi position folding leaf sight that appears to be a replacement.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one piece walnut with lock plate, straight grip, straight comb, metal buttplate, three barrel bands with springs, sling ring in the bottom of the middle band, nose cap, cutout for the included ramrod, sling ring in the front of the trigger guard. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are scattered handling marks and nicks. There is a small crack at the rear of the upper tang that has been repaired. The left plate is missing and the recess has been patched. The stock rates in Very Good condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is well defined. There is no deep pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10 for an antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle appears to have had some clean up work done to it. The metal is clean except for the age correct, dings, scratches, and handling marks. There are a couple of screws replaced. Some of the numbers do not match. There have been wood repairs done. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings range from clear to defaced by erosion. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The hammer locks. The trigger is crisp. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This rifle comes with its installed ram rod, bayonet
Our Assessment: The U.S. Model 1861 Rifle Musket is one of the most iconic infantry arms of the American Civil War, representing the standard shoulder weapon carried by Union forces during the conflict’s most decisive years. Produced in enormous quantities to meet wartime demand, the Model 1861 marked the U.S. Army’s full commitment to rifled percussion arms firing the Minié ball. This example, produced under contract by S. Norris and W.T. Clement of Springfield, Massachusetts, reflects the critical role played by private contractors and state-level procurement in equipping Union regiments, particularly those raised by Massachusetts.
Chambered in .58 caliber, the Model 1861 fired a conical Minié-type projectile that dramatically increased effective range and lethality compared to earlier smoothbore muskets. The long 40-inch barrel, three-band configuration, and provision for bayonet mounting were integral to mid-nineteenth-century infantry doctrine, balancing ranged fire with close-order combat capability. The blade front sight and folding multi-position rear sight reflect the rifle musket’s intended use for deliberate, aimed fire, though the rear sight on this example appears to be a later replacement, a common occurrence given the hard service and subsequent maintenance many of these arms experienced.
This rifle shows evidence of long service and later stabilization work, retaining its original bright metal finish with age-appropriate dings, scratches, and handling marks throughout. The bore is dark but retains well-defined rifling with no deep pitting, rating 7 out of 10 for an antique in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock remains solid and attractive for its age, with scattered handling marks, a repaired crack at the rear of the upper tang, and a patched recess where the left side plate is missing, all consistent with period or early postwar repairs. Some screws have been replaced and not all numbers match, typical characteristics of Civil War arms that saw repeated maintenance and refurbishment. Mechanically, the hammer locks securely, the trigger is crisp, and the action functions correctly. Accompanied by its ramrod and bayonet, this rifle stands as an honest and historically significant example of a Civil War–era Model 1861 rifle musket tied directly to wartime production and service. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! MF
