This Norfolk marked U.S. contract 58 caliber percussion Model 1861 rifle-musket was made by Welch, Brown and Co., Norwich, CT, circa 1862-63. The 40"" round barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. The barrel, bands, and triggerguard are bright with pinprick spotting and light roughness around the bolster and on two small areas of the lock. The buttplate and forend cap are smooth and brown. The barrel has the V/P/eagle proofs and is dated 1863. The lock has the eagle with U.S./NORFOLK and 1863. The stock is very good with the expected issue dents and dings and with no chips or cracks. The left flat ha s a light inspectors cartouche and forward of that, W.W. WELCH in an arc over NORFLOK. CT. The swivels and ramrod are present. The action functions correctly. This is a nice representative Model 1861 Civil War contract rifle-musket.