This is an example of a U.S. Contract Colt Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket manufactured in 1864. Colt manufactured at least 75,000 Model 1861 Special Rifle-Muskets between 1861 and 1865. The musket has the distinctive hammer, bolster without clean-out hole and screw-fastened barrel bands. The musket is finished "National Armory Bright" and has an oiled, black walnut, stock. The musket has a straight-shank, tulip head ramrod and blued, two-leaf, folding rear sight. The lock plate is dated "1864" behind the hammer and is marked : "U.S./COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO/ HARTFORD CT" in front of it. The bolster is stamped with an Eagle and Shield motif. The top barrel flat is dated "1864" and the left side of the barrel is stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks. The left flat is stamped with the Ordnance sub-inspector's initials "V.P.P." followed by "STEEL". Script Ordnance inspection and sub-inspection marks are stamped on the left stock flat. The heel of the buttplate is stamped "U.S." and most components are stamped with a small, single letter, sub-inspection mark.

Very fine. The musket has been lightly cleaned and the fine original stock re-oiled. The barrel and lock plate have sharp markings. There is no flash-pitting on the bolster and adjacent areas of the barrel hammer and lock plate. The inspection marks on the left side of the stock are legible. This is a very fine example of an important Federal Civil War Rifle-Musket and a key piece in a collection of Colt martial arms.