U000356 U.S. CIVIL WAR M1861 RIFLE MUSKET HAMMER ASSEMBLY. The .58 caliber rifle musket was first developed at the Springfield armory in 1855. An improved variation, which used a simplified percussion-cap system with the quick-loading "Minié" ball, was introduced in 1861. This "Model 1861" muzzle-loader became the mainstay of the Civil War soldier as most of the military commanders of the day did not appreciate the innovative breech-loading and magazine-fed repeating weapons also developed at that time. With the outbreak of hostilities, and demand exceeding supply, the War Department began contracting private firms to produce the weapon, which were distinguished from their Federally manufactured counterparts only by the markings on their lock plates. This iron fitting, which would have been set into the hardwood stock of the rifle musket, is comprised of a hammer screwed into its 5 1/2" long lock plate, with its two-step cocking mechanism, which still functions, visible to the reverse. A "K" is stamped to the leading element of this mechanism. "1864" is stamped on the lock plate to the left of the hammer, with, to the right, "U.S.," "Colt’s Pt. F.A. Mfg. Co.," and "Hartford Ct." The components exhibit an overall dark age patina, with light to moderate surface spotting and pitting, however, as mentioned earlier, all of its moving elements appear to function perfectly.

To Order this item, please use one of the two e-mail addresses below to contact us. Please make sure to quote the item number in your e-mail

-E-Mail Address pawmac@nbnet.nb.ca  Or  guild@nb.aibn.com

To return to the main page please CLICK below