Whitney Militia rifles are described in depth on pages 460-471 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III" with this exact rifle pictured on pages 468 and 469 under the description for "Whitney (Type II) Militia Rifle (Model 1855/1841 Configuration)" in which defining features are described. The picture caption on page 468 states, "Whitney Type II militia rifles are equipped with unfinished Model 1855 lockplates and U.S. Model 1855 rifle barrels believed to have been among the condemned components purchased from Harpers Ferry Armory." The picture caption on page 469 states, "The locks of Whitney Type II militia rifles are often described as 'low hump.' Note Whitney's variation of the long-range rear sight." Page 468 states, "The federal government also purchased almost 1,000 Whitney rifles during the Civil War. Several hundred of these are known to have been Whitney militia rifles purchased for the state of Ohio. The Ordnance Department purchased 478 rifles on November 8, 1861, and 500 rifles on February 11, 1862, from arms merchants Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, at $21.00 each." Blade front and ladder rear sight. Model 1841 rifle style stock and brass fittings. Stamped "P.S.NEWTON/HARTFORD CT." on the left stock flat. Includes a period leather sling and brass handled saber bayonet with a brass tipped "OHIO" marked leather scabbard. Provenance: The George Moller Collection