US M1861 Massachusetts Percussion Rifle-Musket by S.N. & W.T.C.

Description

Produced under direct contract with the State of Massachusetts, S. Norris and W.T.
Clement produced several thousand rifled muskets of the M1861 type in Springfield,
Massachusetts during 1863 and 1864. This example features lockplate marked with
eagle over “U.S.” and “S.N. & W.T.C./FOR/MASSACHUSETTS” forward of the hammer
and the date “1863″ behind the hammer. 40″ round barrel of .58 caliber, stamped with
“211″ on the octagonal breech with fixed front and rear sights. Walnut full stock with
three barrel bands, showing scratches and dents typical of field use and owner’s initials
carved on reverse. Crack running from rear of lockplate to barrel tang. Tulip-shaped
steel ramrod; butt plate tang stamped “US”. Metal parts a deep plum-brown color;
forward sling swivel missing. One of the rarer M1861 contracted rifle-muskets made
specifically for Massachusetts units during the Civil War. Overall length 55 ½”.