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. These muskets were finished bright with an oil finished stock. The National eagle/shield motif is on the bolster and the lock is marked "U.S./COLT'S PT F.A. Mfg Co/ HARTFORD Ct" ahead of the hammer. The rear of the lock plate and the top of the barrel at the breech are dated "1863", and the left barrel flat is stamped with "V/P/Eagle head" proofmarks parallel to the bore. The left side of the barrel is stamped with an "M". The front of the lower tang is marked with the letter "P" and the rear "W". Blade front sight on a square base which doubles as a bayonet lug and folding three leaf rear sight. The buttplate tang is marked " U.S" and "50" and the left flat has a faint inspectors cartouche. Complete with an original tulip head ramrod.