Believed to have been manufactured by A.H. Waters & Co. of Millbury, Massachusetts, this is a very scarce example of a U.S. Civil War era Model 1861 rifle-musket. The lock plate is dated "1864" at the rear and has the correct unusual eagle facing to the rear with downward point wings (in contrast to all other contract rifle-muskets of this type) and "U.S." MILLBURY" is stamped ahead of the hammer. The barrel, like the lock, is dated "1864" with the left side at the breech having "V/P/eagle head" proofs and "PB" inspector initials. The rifle-musket is equipped with a three leaf rear sight marked "1," "3" and "5." The three barrel bands are stamped with the letter "U" on the right side and single letter inspector initials are stamped on most of the components. It has the armory bright finish with casehardened hammer and lock plate. The full length stock has two script letter cartouches on the left flat and the buttplate is stamped "US" on the tang. The socket bayonet is marked "US."

Very fine. The hammer and lock plate retain 98% plus of the very attractive vivid original case colors. The remaining metal surfaces have a very attractive bright appearance. Limited pin point pitting is present. The stock is excellent with some scattered minor pressure dents. The cartouches are legible. A scarce U.S. long arm that would be great addition to any Civil War collection!