These rifle muskets were manufactured by Harpers Ferry and Springfield Armory from 1857 to 1861. The rear of the lock is dated "1860", the tape primer lid is marked with the eagle shield motif and "U.S./HARPER'S FERRY" is marked ahead of the hammer. The top of the barrel at the breech is marked "1860" and the left flat is marked with the "V/P/eagle head" inspection marks. Blade front and three leaf rear sights, all iron mountings, (found on examples made from 1859 - 1861), including the forend cap, tape primer system, clean out screw on the bolster and mounted with an oil finished full black walnut stock with two faint oval cartouches on the left flat, secured by three barrel bands and "US" marked buttplate tang. Complete with a correct tulip head iron ramrod with swelled shank and "US" marked socket bayonet. This model was the first U.S. martial arm that fired the Minie bullet in 58 caliber and proved to be one of the staple arms of the Civil War.

Good. The metal surfaces are a dark brown patina over pitting overall. The percussion nipple is a replacement. The stock has been lightly sanded and varnished and remains good with overall scattered minor dents and dings. The cartouches are faint, the other markings are clear. The action is fine. The bayonet is good.