This unissued example of a Colt Special Model 1861 Rifle-Musket was manufactured in 1864. Colt was given a contract to supply 112,500 of these special Rifled Muskets and between 1861 and 1865 75,000 were delivered under Ordnance Department contracts during the Civil War. All parts are armory bright except for the blue rear sight and casehardened trigger. The Colt Special Model 1861 Rifle-Musket had a distinctive hammer, nickel bolster that lacked a clean-out screw, screw fastened barrel bands and a straight shank tulip head ramrod. Many of these features were incorporated by Springfield Armory in the Model 1863 Type I and Type II rifle-muskets. The lock plate is dated "1864" behind the hammer and marked "U.S./COLT'S PT F.A. MFG CO/HARTFORD CT" ahead of the hammer. Below the marking is what appears to be a small letter "T". The top of the barrel is dated "1864" at the breech, the left upper flat is marked "V/P/eagle head" and the left flat "M.N.M." and "STEEL". The face of the nipple bolster is stamped with the spread eagle/shield motif. The lower tang is marked with a small "M" ahead of the trigger guard and "L" at the rear. Blade front sight on a square base which doubles as a bayonet lug and three leaf rear sight marked with a "D" on the left side. Mounted with an oil finished black walnut full straight grip stock with two sharp boxed cartouches on the left flat and a small "T" behind the tang. The buttplate tang is marked "U.S" ahead of the screw and with a small "W" behind the screw.

Excellent plus as issued. The metal surfaces remain bright with some mild discoloration and some minor pitting on the buttplate tang. The stock is excellent with a small gouge on the upper left wrist and a few minor pressure dents. The markings remain sharp. The action is excellent. This "1864" dated Colt Rifle-Musket does not appear to have been issued and the limited wear is attributable to only storage and collector handling.