Samuel Norris and William T. Clement of Springfield, MA, delivered 11,000 Model 1861 58 caliber percussion rifle muskets on contract to the State of Massachusetts in 1863 and 1864. The 40"" round barrel has a fine rifled bore. The barrel has a smooth gray-brown patina. It has the correct V over P over eagle at the breech with the left flat being marked NJ (transferred after MA use?) and 1863 at the top. It has the correct 1861 two-leaf rear sight. The lock, which is mostly bright with brown shading, is marked with the large eagle over U.S, at the center, S.N. & W.T.C. over FOR over MASSACHUSETTS at the right, and 1864 at the tail. The hammer and other metal parts range from a brown to gray-brown patina. The butt plate has light roughness on the bottom. The ramrod and swivels are present. The stock is very good with no cracks, a small chip between the nose cap and front band, light usage wear. The action functions correctly. This is a nice representative Model 1861 contract musket.