These Colt muskets were produced throughout the Civil War under contract with the Union and state governments. An estimated 100,000 muskets were manufactured by the end of the war. This model is based on the Enfield Pattern 1853 and has many features later incorporated in the Springfield Model 1863. It features bayonet stud blade front and folding leaf rear sights, redesigned hammer, a nipple bolster with no clean-out screw and stamped with the eagle motif, Enfield type barrel bands, and a tulip head ramrod with straight shank. The stock is oil finished and is marked with crisp "DAP" (Dwight A. Perkins) and "JT" (likely John Taylor) cartouches. The lock plate is dated "1863" at the tail and has "U.S./COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD CT." on the body. The barrel is also dated "1863" and has the "V/P/eagle head" proof and inspection marks on the upper left flat and "W.P" (William Page) and "STEEL" on the left flat. "U.S." is stamped on the top of the buttplate heel. "U" is stamped on the right side of the barrel bands facing the muzzle. There are sub-inspection marks on most components.

Very fine as repolished overall. There are only some minor blemished from handling and storage including some faint spots of brown patina on the hammer and barrel and some pressure marks and slight abrasions on the otherwise very fine reoiled stock. The lock functions fine, and the markings throughout are nice and crisp.