This 58 caliber percussion contract Model 1861 rifle-musket was one of approx. 15,000 manufactured by Parkers Snow & Co. of Meriden, CT, circa 1863-64. The 40"" round barrel has a very good bore with its original rifling. The rear sight leaves are absent. The gun has a freckled brown patina over bright with a dent in the barrel near the top band and scattered areas of light pitting. The lock is marked PARKERS' SNOW & CO. over MERIDEN, CONN. to the right of the hammer and with the date of 1863 at the tail. The 1863 dated rifle muskets are believed to be the products of the 1861 James Mulholland contract of which only 5,502 were delivered. This was the first firearms endeavour of Charles Parker, who would go on to form the famous Parker Brothers shotgun company. The stock is good with a crack at the trigger guard and issue dents and dings. The ramrod is absent. The action functions. Solve its issues and you will have a good example of one of Charle Parker's earliest guns.