This is an exceptional example of a Colt Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket that was manufactured in 1863. Colt produced these rifle-muskets under Ordnance Department contracts during the Civil War. The Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket had a distinctive hammer, bolster with no provision for a clean-out screw, two-leaf rear sight graduated to 500 yards, screw-fastened barrel bands and straight shank tulip head ramrod. Most of these features were subsequently incorporated on the Springfield Model 1863 and Model 1864 Rifle-Muskets. The barrel, lock and iron furniture are finished "National Armory Bright". The three-leaf rear sight is blue and the trigger is casehardened. The black walnut stock is oil finished. The lock plate is dated "1863" behind the hammer and the top of the barrel is dated "1863" just ahead of the tang. "U.S./COLT'S PT F.A. MFG CO/HARTFORD CT" is roll-stamped on the lock plate in front of the hammer. The face of the nipple bolster is stamped with the Spread Eagle/Shield motif. The upper left barrel flat is stamped with Ordnance "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks. An "F" Ordnance sub-inspection mark and "STEEL" are stamped on the left barrel flat just above the stock line. Single letter Ordnance inspection marks are stamped on all major components. "U.S." is stamped on the heel of the buttplate. The left stock flat is stamped with the Ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection marks that consist of two or three script initials surrounded by rectangular borders.

Excellent plus. The musket retains virtually all of the original National Armory Bright finish. There is some overall scattered surface rust which is very light. The rear sight has all of the original dull blue finish. The percussion nipple has no flash pitting and there is no firing wear on the bolster or adjacent areas of the barrel lock plate or hammer. All of the markings are extremely sharp. The musket has not been touched and remains in near mint as issued condition. The stock is exceptional as the barrel, lock and furniture. The edges of the flats and barrel channel are very sharp. The stock still shows the original grain/feathered appearance. The Ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection stamps are near perfect. This is an outstanding example of a Colt Model 1861 Special Rifle-Musket that would be extremely difficult to improve upon.