Reportedly, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts contracted with A. J. Drake of Boston in 1862 to alter approximately 1,839 "Windsor rifles" (believed to have been Model 1841 rifles made by Robbins & Lawrence) they had on hand to accept a socket bayonet with a blade/stud front sight and three-leaf 500 yard Model 1858 rear sight. This Drake altered Model 1841 rifle is marked with "ROBBINS/&/LAWRENCE/U.S." on the lock plate ahead of the hammer, and "WINDSOR VT./1849" at the tail of the lock. The buttplate tang has a small "US" stamp along with "CO. E/MASS.46/3". The 46th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry/Militia Regiment was raised primarily in Hampden County, Massachusetts, in 1862. Most of its men volunteered to stay on and join the Army of the Potomac after their enlistments expired due to Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania in 1863. 100 of the men then reenlisted by joining the 2nd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. During its enlistment, the 46th only lost one man in combat and another 35 by disease. Much of their service consisted of manning defensive positions at key positions in the North. "US/J.P.C./P" (James P. Chapman) marked on top of the barrel at the breech. Drake alteration number "456" marked on the back surface of the barrel at the breech and on the back surface of the barrel tang (both require disassembly to view). The straight wrist walnut stock has a brass patch box, and two inspection cartouches marked on the left flat including a faint boxed script "JPC" and a strong oval script "WAT" (William A. Thornton). Brass tipped trumpet head iron ramrod. Sling swivels mounted on the barrel band and front of the trigger guard. Faintly punch marked "WAR 1861-1865" on the left of the buttstock (filled in with wood filler). "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes Drake pattern socket bayonet, reproduction leather sling, and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine, 20% arsenal brown finish on the barrel with gray patina on the balance and numerous scattered patches of brown surface pitting. More than half of the arsenal refurbished dark blue casehardening visible on the lock with crisp markings. Brass retains an attractive original patina. Front sling ring is broken. Stock is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some scratches and dents, and filled in markings on the left of the buttstock (referenced above). Mechanically excellent.