This rifle was part of a contract of 10,000 rifles manufactured by Whitney for the U.S. Navy. The contract was completed in 1864. These "Plymouth" rifles were designed under the recommendation of Captain John A. B. Dahlgren and were tested on the U.S.S. Plymouth in in the mid-to late 1850s. As with many early U.S. martial arms, the inspiration for this pattern came from a prior French design, in this case, the "Carabine a Tige." The barrel tang is stamped with the serial number, and the left side of the barrel is stamped "F.C.W" below the "V/P/eagle head" proofs. The lock is marked with the eagle and shield, "U.S./WHITNEY-VILLE", and is dated "1864" vertically behind the hammer. There is an oval "F.C.W" cartouche on the stock, and the buttplate is marked "US" on the tang.

Fine, showing mostly a silver-grey patina speckled with some brown patina and light pitting. The reoiled wood is also fine with minor dings scattered throughout, some chipping along the ramrod channel and trigger guard plate, and a clear cartouche. Mechanically excellent.