by Norwich Arms Company, Norwich, Connecticut, ca. 1863–64. Total production: 25,000.
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / NORWICH” on lock plate below bolster cutout; spread eagle at center of lock plate; year at rear of lock plate.
Norwich Arms Company fulfilled two contracts, dated April 1, 1863 and October 16, 1864, to supply 25,000 Model 1861 Rifle-Muskets to the U.S. government. In addition, a shortened variant existed with a 36” barrel and two Model 1863 barrel bands.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “PROVIDENCE” CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Probably manufactured by Providence Tool Co., Providence, Rhode Island, 1862. Total production: unknown.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U.S. / PROVIDENCE” below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate; “1862” toward rear of lock plate.
It is not certain who manufactured Model 1861 rifle-muskets stamped “PROVIDENCE,” but it is assumed that it was the Providence Tool Company, with a smaller possibility that the maker was C. D. Schubarth of Providence, Rhode Island.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, PROVIDENCE TOOL CO. CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc.
Manufactured by Providence Tool Co., Providence, Rhode Island, ca. 1862–65. Total production: 70,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“U. [spread eagle] S. / PROVIDENCE TOOL CO / PROVIDENCE R I” at center of lock plate; “1863” or “1864” (and possibly “1865”) toward rear of lock plate.
The Providence Tool Company delivered to the U.S. government 70,000 stands of Model 1861 rifle-muskets from December 1862 to May 1865. They were considered high-quality arms. Note that it is possible, but not certain, that Model 1861 rifle-muskets marked “U.S. / Providence” and “1862” on the lock plates were early-production examples of the Providence Tool Co. Contract.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, REMINGTON CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by E. Remington & Sons, Ilion, New York, ca. 1864–65. Total production: 40,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“REMINGTON’S / ILION, N.Y.” below bolster cutout on lock plate; inspector’s initial near front of lock plate; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; “1864” or “1865” at rear of lock plate.
Under a contract of December 14, 1863, E. Remington & Sons supplied the U.S. government with 40,000 Model 1861 musket-rifles, with deliveries from May 31, 1864 to May 24, 1866. Specimens dated 1864 and 1865 have been reported.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, E. ROBINSON CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Edward Robinson, New York City, ca. 1863–64. Total production: 30,000.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
Markings were in two styles: 1) first 12,000 examples: “E. ROBINSON” in straight line over “NEW YORK” under bolster cutout of lock plate; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; “1863” at rear of lock plate; and 2) last 18,000 examples: “E. ROBINSON” in arc over “NEW YORK” below bolster cutout; spread eagle over “U.S.” at center of lock plate; “1864” to rear of lock plate.
Edward Robinson delivered 30,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets under four contracts dated June 10 and December 29, 1863, and February 23 and October 4, 1864. The U.S. government paid substantially below the contract price for many of the arms, indicating that they were substandard.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, “NEW YORK” CONTRACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Manufactured by Sarson & Roberts, New York City, ca. 1862–63. Total production: 5,140.
Overall length: 56". Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
“US / NEW YORK / [year]” stamped below bolster cutout on lock plate; spread eagle at center of lock plate.
On December 26, 1861, John B. Sarson and William S. Roberts’ Sarson & Roberts armory in New York City contracted to supply the U.S. government with 25,000 Model 1861 rifle-muskets. However, the firm delivered a total of only 5,140 units. Sarson & Roberts manufactured the barrels, stocks, and sights, but secured all other parts from Alfred Jenks & Son.
| GOOD–$900 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1861 RIFLE-MUSKET, SAVAGE REVOLVING FIRE ARMS CO. CONTACT, .58 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Rock Island Auction Company
Manufactured by Savage Fire Arms Co., Middletown, Connecticut, ca. 1862–64. Total production: 25,520.
Overall
