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 casehardened 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 not marked.

Excellent plus. The musket appears to be un-issued and un-fired and retains the "National Armory Bright" finish on the barrel, forearm cap, barrel bands, lock, trigger guard and buttplate. The bright finished components have some traces of age discoloration and there is a tiny line of surface rust along the lower edge of the lock plate. The rear sight has all of the original dull blue finish. All of the markings on the metal components are extremely crisp. The black walnut stock is in near new condition with un-handled, "feathered" grain with very sharp edges and perfect Ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection stamps on the left flat. Stock wear is limited to several very minor storage marks. The Model 1855 bayonet has been cleaned and is in good to very good condition with some patches of light pitting on the blade and some minor handling marks on the socket. This is a great example of a Colt Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket in un-issued, un-fired condition.