The US Model 1861 58 caliber percussion rifle musket was one of the most used rifle muskets of the Civil War. This is a fine example that was manufactured in 1862 by the Springfield Armory. The overall length is approx. 56.25"". The 40"" round barrel has a fine bore with strong rifling The barrel is a smooth mixture of bright and brown with bright showing under the bands when they are moved forward. It has the V over P over eagle proof and inspection marks and the correct rifle musket rear sight. The lock, which is smooth and bright with a brown patina at the front third, is marked U.S. over SPRINGFIELD with an eagle above and to the rear and 1862 at the tail. All other metal parts are a smooth mixture of bright and brown patina. The ramrod and swivels are present. The stock is very good with no cracks or chips and the expected issue dents and dings. The rack number of 52 is just above the butt plate tang and the two cartouches on the left flat are strong. The lock functions correctly. This is a much better than average US Model 1861 rifle musket. Most of these early muskets like this one were used hard during the Civil War and are rarely seen with good metal, a fine bore, and  strong cartouches.