This is an early example of an 1861 pattern rifle-musket, the primary Civil War musket as used by the Union forces. Although nearly 1,000,000 M1861 Rifle-Muskets were manufactured by Springfield Armory and various contractors during the Civil War, Springfield Armory muskets manufactured during the first years of production saw hard service and are desirable. The lock plate has the standard "eagle/shield" and "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" markings ahead of the hammer and is dated "1861 behind it. The barrel is absent of any proof or inspection marks or manufacturing date. The lock, trigger guard, barrel, barrel bands and buttplate are "arsenal bright". It has a two leaf folding rear sight, a tulip head steel ramrod, bolster with a cleanout screw and wooden barrel plug. The stock has been varnished and is absent of any cartouches.

About good. The rifle has been polished heavily with some speckled discoloration, leaving the markings on the barrel barely visible (if not gone). The lock plate has a smooth grayish mottled patina. The stock has been sanded and varnished. The buttplate is slight ill-fitting, there is a small minor crack in the toe and a few overall minor dings, dents and scratches. The lock markings are clear and crisp. The action is fine.