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.