Colt was given a contract to supply 112,500 of these 1861 Pattern muskets to the Union army. Colt delivered 75,000 between 1861 and 1865. The musket is finished 'National Armory Bright'. The barrel bands and hammer have a high polish finish. The other components have a duller finish with less polish. The rear sight, trigger and percussion nipple are blue and the stock is oil-finished walnut. The lock has a National Eagle and Shield on the bolster and is marked "U.S. / COLT'S Pt F.A. Mfg Co / HARTFORD Ct" ahead of the hammer. The rear of the lock plate is dated "1863". The top of the barrel is dated "1863" at the breech plug and the left barrel flat is stamped with "V / P / Eagle Head" proof marks parallel to the bore. The left side of the barrel is stamped with a small "F" followed by "STEEL" just above the junction with the stock. Blade front sight on a square base which doubles as a bayonet lug and folding two leaf rear sight with an "H" stamped on the left side of the base. The bottom of the trigger guard is stamped with the letter "M". The buttplate tang is marked "U.S." with a small "J" ahead of the marking. The left stock flat is stamped with two crisp Ordnance and Sub-ordnance script inspection cartouches in rectangular boxes behind the rear lock screw and the top of the comb directly ahead of the buttplate tang is stamped with a "J". Complete with the correct iron ram rod with tulip head.

Excellent plus. The musket appears to be unissued and unfired and shows only minor storage and handling wear. The "Arsenal Bright" components have not been polished and have the original factory high polished finish. The rear sight, percussion nipple and trigger retain almost all of the original blue finish. The stock is near mint with raised grain and sharp edges. All markings on the lock, barrel and stock are extremely sharp. A truly exceptional example of an important Colt U.S. martial long arm.