Guns International #: 101995341
Seller's Inventory #: 220033

Category - Civil War Rifles - Whitney Rifles

Category
Civil War Rifles
Whitney Rifles

CIVIL WAR Antique WHITNEY U.S. Contract Model 1861 NAVY “Plymouth” Rifle Named After the Navy Ship USS PLYMOUTH!

Description:
CIVIL WAR Antique WHITNEY U.S. Contract Model 1861 NAVY “Plymouth” Rifle  

Named After the Navy Ship USS PLYMOUTH!

Here we present an antique Whitney U.S. Contract Model 1861 Navy Percussion Rifle made in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1863. Eli Whitney Jr. and his family legacy, Whitneyville Armory, played a large role in providing small arms to the Union during the American Civil War. This “Plymouth” rifle was originally a rifled, .69 caliber muzzle loader that saw the majority of its service with the Federal Navy, though there are some cases of the Federal Army infantry outfits using this rifle.

When the pattern was officially adopted as the U.S. Model 1861 Naval Rifle, Whitney was awarded a contract in July of 1861 to deliver 10,000 of them at a price of $25 each, to include a brass handled saber bayonet. The first delivery of 100 arms was made in early February of 1863. Some of the first Model 1861 Naval Rifles to see service aboard ships were issued to the Nansemond, the William Bacon, and the Eutaw, all of which served with the Atlantic Blockading Squadron during 1863. By the end of 1863, Whitney had managed to catch up on his contract, and had delivered 5,300 of the rifles to the Navy. An additional 4,695 rifles had been delivered to the Navy by the end of 1864. 

These rifles are often referred to as “Plymouth” Rifles due to the fact that the initial batch of rifles, from which the contract pattern was derived, were tested on board the USS Plymouth from 1856-1858 under the direction of Captain (later Admiral) Dahlgren. 

This example is a smoothbored .75 Caliber. It came with a round 34 inch barrel and a brass blade front sight. Marked between the hammer and bolster is the spread-winged eagle. Forward of this is “U.S. over WHITNEYVILLE” with the date “1863” behind the hammer. The black walnut stock is similar to the Model 1861 rifle stock, except it is a bit bulkier.

The overall condition is good. The action remains strong. This piece was refinished at some point. The bore is smooth and dim. The walnut stock is solid but does have a repaired sliver under the lock plate.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 34 inches.

Caliber: .75 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$1500

#220033
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes