Guns International #: 102809062
Seller's Inventory #: CBP22-166

Category - Civil War Rifles - Military Rifles - Antique

Category
Civil War Rifles
Military Rifles - Antique

1863 Vintage S. Norris & W.T. Clement U.S. Model 1861 Percussion Rifle Musket in .58 Caliber * Cut-Down or Artillery Model with 31" Inch Barre

Description:
This is an original Civil War production U.S. Model 1861 Percussion Rifle Musket made by the S. Norris & W.T. Clement firm in Springfield, Ma. for Massachusetts regiments in the American Civil War.  This particular example was made in 1863 and was either cut down after the war for use by cadets or was specially made with a short barrel and two barrel bands instead of the normal 3 for Massachusetts Artillery Regiments.  There is a lot of debate online about which is correct.  What we do know is that this .58 caliber percussion cap and ball rifled musket saw service in the Civil War in some form from 1863 until the war ended in 1865.  Outside of the potentially shortened barrel (measures 31" inches rather than standard length of 40" inches), the rest of the gun appears to be original.  All of the metal parts have a pleasing aged patina on them after starting as armory bright when new.  All of the markings on the rifle are still fully intact and legible including the "LFR" inspectors initials on the left barrel flat, the "VP" above the Eagles Head proof just above the inspectors initials, the date of the barrel manufacture "1864" on the upper barrel tang, and the number "134" stamped on top of the barrel to the left of the nipple.  We are not sure what the "134" stands for, perhaps a weapon number for whatever regiment was issued the weapon.  The lock and lockplate are in good shape as well.  It is well marked with the date "1864" at the rear , the U.S. Military Eagle just ahead of the hammer, and the manufacturer's name stamped at the front section of the lockplate, " S.N. & W.T.C. FOR MASSACHUSETTS".  The brass nipple is a little chewed up but appears to still be functional, the hammer still has the half and full-cock notches intact, and the trigger will only fire from full-cock with a medium-weighted pull.  The 31" inch barrel appearts to be free from any bulges, cracks, or damage and the bore is in good condition with nice rifling throughout and little to no pitting.  The front and rear sights are both intact and the rear sight leaf flips up like it is supposed to with a peep-hole in the middle and a notched top for long distance shooting.  The stock on this Model 1861 looks pretty good overall but has had some clear finish applied over it. There are some minor cracks here and there but nothing that would require any repair or cause structural problems.  The original U.S. Military inspectors cartouche is a little faint but still visible on the left side of the stock just below the rear lock retention screw.  The stock hardware is all intact and in good shape including the buttplate, triggerguard, both barrel bands, and the forend cap.  The ramrod is in place and fits nicely where it wont fall out.  All of the screws are good in the hardware and both sling swivels are intact.  From what we can see, with the proper load this Massachusetts Civil War rifled musket could still be fired with no problems.  If you have been looking for an interesting and somewhat controversial addition to your American Civil War weapons collection, this Massachusetts "Artillery" Model 1861 would be a great choice.   

Price: $1,595.00

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .58
Manufacturer: S. Norris & W.T. Clement of Springfield, Mass
Model: Model 1861 U.S. Percussion Rifle-Musket (Shortened "Artillery" Model)
Serial Number: 134
Barrel Length: 31" Inches
Bore Info: Rifled
Condition: Good
Metal Condition: Good
Wood Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Good
Barrel Type: Round
Action: Cap & Ball Single Shot
Stock: American Walnut
Finish: Armory Bright
Sights: Iron Sights with 2 Leaf Rear
Manufacture Date: 1864