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Exceptional Colt Model 1861 Special Rifled-Musket with Bayonet, Scabbard and Sling

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Exceptional Colt Model 1861 Special Rifled-Musket with Bayonet, Scabbard and Sling
This exceptional example of a Colt Model 1861 Special Rifled-Musket was manufactured in 1864. The musket is finished 'National Armory Bright" with a dull blue rear sight and oil-finished, black walnut stock. The musket has the distinctive hammer, flat bolster with no clean-out hole, screw-fastened barrel bands and straight shank, tulip-head ramrod which are characteristic of the Colt Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket. The lock plate is dated "1864" behind the hammer and stamped: "U.S./ COLT'S Pt F.A. Mfg Co/HARTFORD CT" in three lines in front of it. A small eagle and shield motif is stamped on the face of the bolster. The top of the barrel is dated "1864". The upper left side of the barrel is stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks and the lower left side is stamped with the Ordnance Sub-Inspector's initials "E.P.R." followed by "STEEL". Single letter sub-inspector's marks are stamped on most components including the ramrod. The heel of the buttplate is stamped "U.S.". The left stock flat is stamped with the Ordnance inspector's and sub-inspectors script initials. The rifle is complete with a Model 1855 Socket Bayonet and scabbard. The bayonet is finished bright and has "U.S." stamped on the blade. The scabbard has a brass tip, bridle leather body and buff leather hanger with eight copper rivets. The musket is fitted with a leather Civil War sling with two keepers
BBL: 40 inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 58 percussion
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN


Excellent plus. The musket appears to be unissued and unfired and retains nearly all of the original "National Armory Bright" finish. The two-leaf rear sight and percussion nipple have nearly all of the original dull blue finish. The stock is in near new condition with sharp edges raised grain and virtually no shipping and handling marks. The Ordnance Inspector and Sub-Inspector stamps on the left stock flat are extremely sharp. The lock and barrel markings are perfect. The bayonet shows more wear than the musket but remains in excellent condition. The bayonet scabbard is nearly mint. The sling is in excellent condition with smooth leather surfaces and no cracking or flaking. This is a nearly new example of a Civil War Colt Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket with Model 1855 Bayonet, scabbard and sling.