Colt Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket manufactured in 1864. Colt manufactured an estimated 75,000 of these rifle-muskets between 1861-1865. Many of the features introduced on the Model 1861 Special Rifle-Muskets were subsequently adopted by Springfield Armory on the Model 1863 and Model 1864 Rifle-Muskets. The musket features a straight shank, tulip head ramrod, two leaf rear sight, screw fastened barrel bands, bolster with no provision for a clean-out screw and distinctive profile hammer. The musket is finished "National Armory Bright" with high polished lock plate, hammer and barrel bands. The rear sight has a dull blue finish, the trigger is case hardened and the black walnut stock is oil finished. The lock plate and barrel are both dated "1864". The lock plate is roll-stamped: "U.S./COLT'S PT. F.A. Mfg. Co./HARTFORD CT." in three lines in front of the hammer. The face of the percussion nipple bolster is stamped with a small eagle and shield motif. The left barrel flat is deeply stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks. The Ordnance sub-inspector's initials "M.N.M." are stamped on the left side of the barrel just above the edge of the stock. "U.S." is stamped on the heel of the buttplate. Single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. The left stock flat is stamped with the script initials of the Ordnance sub-inspector and final inspector is two rectangles with rounded ends. Included with the musket is a Model 1855 Bayonet with 18-inch triangular, fluted blade. The bayonet is lightly marked "U.S." on the top of the blade in front of the shank and includes a partial bayonet scabbard in relic condition.

Excellent plus. The barrel, lock, forearm cap, barrel bands, trigger guard and buttplate retain nearly all of the original "National Armory Bright" polish. The only significant wear is some superficial age spotting on the buttplate. The markings are extremely crisp. The rear sight has nearly all of the dull blue finish. The black walnut stock shows no handling wear and has only a few very minor storage marks. The edges of the barrel channel lock plate flats and left stock flat are extremely crisp. The stock has the raised, 'feathered' grain found only on wood that has never been handled. The Ordnance sub-inspector's and final inspector's stamps on the left stock flat are deep and sharp. This is an outstanding example of a Colt Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket that would be very difficult to improve upon. The Model 1855 Bayonet is very good overall. The shank and socket have some surface rust but the bayonet would clean to very fine condition. The bayonet scabbard is fair and has a broken brass tip and is missing the hanger and throat. The leather body is fair. Overall a stunning representive example of a Colt Model 1861 Rifle-Musket that would be hard to improve upon.