This Model 1861 Special Musket was manufactured by Colt circa 1864. This model was a simplified version of the Springfield Model 1861. It featured a distinctively shaped hammer, nipple bolster without clean-out screw, two-leaf folding rear sight, screw-fastened Enfield type barrel bands and a straight shank, tulip head ramrod. The rear sight is graduated for 100, 300 and 500 yards. The straight grain black walnut stock is oil finished. The barrel has a block style front sight that serves as a bayonet lug. The lock plate is dated "1864" behind the hammer and roll-stamped "U.S./COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD CT." in three lines ahead of it. The nipple bolster is stamped with a small Federal eagle and shield motif. The top of the barrel is dated "1864", and the left side is stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks parallel to the axis of the bore. The left barrel flat is stamped with a small "M.N.M." Ordnance sub-inspection initials followed by "STEEL" in block letters. "U.S." is on the buttplate tang. A "U" is stamped on the right side of the barrel bands. Single letter sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. The left stock flat is stamped with the Ordnance sub-inspection and final inspection marks: one is "AWM" and the other "JT". There is also a small "EMW" stamp just in front of the buttplate tang.

Very fine. The metal surfaces have primarily a dark gray patina with some brighter sections and light surface pitting. The buttplate is darker and has more significant pitting. The stock is also very fine with raised feathered grain, sharp cartouches and some minor dings, multiple scratches of varying severity, and a few small chips on the edges. The action is excellent, and the markings are all clear.