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Mid-CIVIL WAR Antique NORRIS & CLEMENT Model 1861 “EVERYMAN’S” Rifle-MUSKET MASSACHUSETTS CONTRACT Rifle!
Guns International #: 101723274 Seller's Inventory #: 210438
Category: Civil War Rifles - Antique Rifles - Percussion
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1074
Total Number of Listings: 42633
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
Mid-CIVIL WAR Antique NORRIS & CLEMENT Model 1861 “EVERYMAN’S” Rifle-MUSKET
MASSACHUSETTS CONTRACT Rifle!
Here we present an antique S. Norris & W.T. Clement Model 1861 Civil War Rifle-Musket, made circa 1863 in Springfield, Massachusetts. This one features the lock marked “FOR MASSACHUSETTS” since it was made specifically as part of a contract for the state’s militia during the war. The stock has some interesting graffiti on the right side of the stock and the wrist: a primitive stag and an arrow, filled with a red substance.
The M1861 was the primary musket at the start of the American Civil War. The musket was designed to fire the .58 caliber minie ball. The M1861 is representative of the “everyman’s” rifle during the war. About 1.5 million rifle-muskets were made in the U.S., over 800,000 of which were made by the Springfield Armory. This was the last hurrah of the rifle-musket as arms development and tactics rapidly advanced during the short period of the American Civil War. Nevertheless, the 1861 represented new technology as it was made for use with the Minié ball, a hollow based, conical projectile that was small enough to quickly push down the muzzle of a rifled barrel and expanded to create a good gas seal unlike a solid, round ball. Almost immediately after the war, the US military switched from the old muzzle loading type weapons to the newer breech loading rifles, bringing an end to the musket as a standard frontline firearm in American history.
The emergency that confronted the nation with the onset of civil war overwhelmed the productive capability of Springfield Armory. The federal armories simply could not manufacture enough weapons to outfit the thousands of soldiers quickly filling the ranks of Union armies. This situation was worsened with the loss of the armory at Harpers Ferry. Outside help was needed, and the government procured the assistance of private manufacturers. Springfield Armory provided technical assistance and supervised the manufacturing and distribution of the Model 1861 muskets so that these contract weapons essentially conformed to the “government model” of the .58 caliber rifle musket. These weapons, as opposed to the numerous pistols and carbines that were purchased on contract, differ basically only in the markings on their lockplates. This particular contract was issued for the State of Massachusetts as a Regulation 1861 contract. Norris & Clement manufactured 11,000 muskets in 1863 and 1864 and incorporated the improvements of the Model 1863 system.
The overall condition is very good. Strong action. The bore but remains good for its age with nice rifling. Solid walnut stock with cartouche remnants on the left stock flat. A carved and partially filled stag head can be seen on the right buttstock. “US” is stamped on the lock and butt plate tang. “1863” dated lock. The barrel date is worn but reads “186…”. The bayonet is slightly bent towards the tip, and remains in good shape.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 40 inches.
Caliber: .58 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$2385
#210438
SOLD
Antique: Yes