Manufactured under a July of 1861 contract, with delivery of 10,000 rifles completed in 1864. The Plymouth Rifle was manufactured on the recommendation of Navy ordnance officer John A. Dahlgren and was based on the French Model 1849 "Chasseurs de Vincennes" percussion rifle. It features a .69 caliber rifled barrel with bayonet lug on the right side, long range rear ladder sight graduated to 1,000 yards, trigger guard with spur finger grip and ramrod with large cylindrical tip pierced with a small hole. "1863" dated lock and barrel. The serial number "4982" is marked on the barrel tang. "V/P/eagle head" proofs marked on the upper left barrel flat. The lock is decorated with a large eagle and shield ahead of the hammer and is marked "U.S./WHITNEY-VILLE" in two lines. "F.C.W" (Frank C. Warner) inspection initials marked on the left barrel flat, and a boxed script "FCW" inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat. "US" marked buttplate tang.

Excellent with all the attractive repolished armory bright finish remaining, a few light handling marks, and sharp edges and markings in the metal. The stock is also excellent showing the original oil finished walnut with the original feathered grain, a few light handling marks, an exceptionally crisp cartouche and distinct edges overall. Mechanically excellent. A spectacular 1861 Whitney "Plymouth" Navy rifle that would be difficult to improve upon!