Manufactured under a July of 1861 contract, with delivery of 10,000 rifles completed in 1864. The Plymouth Rifle was manufactured on the recommendation of Navy ordnance officer John A. Dahlgren and was based on the French Model 1849 "Chasseurs de Vincennes" percussion rifle. It features a .69 caliber rifled barrel with bayonet lug on the right side, long range leaf sight graduated to 1,000 yards, trigger guard with spur finger grip, script cartouche on the stock flat, and ramrod with large cylindrical tip pierced with a small hole. The lock and barrel are dated "1863." The barrel tang is marked with serial number "4773". The upper left barrel flat is stamped "V/P/eagle head." The included saber bayonet has a 22 3/8 inch blade. The brass hilt has cast-ribbed grips and a bird's head pommel with number "638." The ricasso is stamped "COLLINS & CO" in an arch above "HARTFORD/CONN". "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Also included is a period leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good, with a pleasing bright appearance along with light pitting throughout. The stock is good with "XVI" hand marked on comb, missing sliver along the ramrod channel, minimal surface chipping and numerous minor dings and scratches. Bayonet is good with the blade having a smooth dark gray patina and pitting. Mechanically excellent.