Only 10,000 of these "Plymouth" rifles were manufactured between 1861 and 1864 by Eli Whitney Jr.s Whitneyville Armory and Whitney Arms Company under contract with the U.S. Navy. Variations are found throughout the Plymouth rifle contract due to Whitney's penchant for using left over parts from other weapon production runs. They were manufactured based upon the recommendations of Captain John A. Dahlgren of the U.S.S. Plymouth. These rifles are larger caliber than the other rifles of the era, employ more precise sights, and have a bayonet lug on the right for the Collins & Co. saber bayonets used only on this model. The larger caliber and long range sights were seen as necessary for naval warfare by Dahlgren. This example is dated "1862" at the tail of the lock (the vas majority are dated 1863) and has the first style large patriotic eagle motif and "U.S./WHITNEY-VILLE" stamped on the main body of the lock. The barrel has the bayonet number "4375" on the tang (the bayonets were hand fitted and thus the guns were numbered to them), "1863" on top at the breech, and standard proof and inspection marks at the breech. The left stock flat has Frank Warren's correct "FCW" cartouche. The trigger guard tang has a finger spur, and the distinctive Dahlgren ramrod is fitted below the barrel. They saw use on various U.S Navy warships during the war and were highly sought after. A commanding officer reportedly requested Plymouth rifles in exchange for the Spencer rifles his crew was issued because the harder hitting Plymouth with its distinctive saber bayonet was safer and more useful than the Spencer's rapid fire. Captain Dahlgren became the commander of the Washington Navy Yard at the beginning of the Civil War and took command of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron prior to the capture of Savannah, Georgia.

Excellent as issued. The metal surfaces remain mostly original armory bright and have some spots of minor staining and oxidation. The stock is also excellent and has only slight dings and scratches from handling and storage. The markings throughout remain crisp. The lock functions fine.