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, long range rear ladder sight graduated to 1,000 yards, trigger guard with spur finger grip and ramrod with large cylindrical tip pierced with a small hole. "1863" dated lock and barrel. Serial number "5184" marked on the barrel tang. "V/P/eagle head" proofs marked on the upper left barrel flat. The lock is decorated with a large eagle and shield motif ahead of the hammer and "U.S./WHITNEY-VILLE" in two lines. "F.C.W" (Frank C. Warner) inspection initials marked on the left barrel flat, and a bordered script "FCW" inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat. "US" marked buttplate tang. The included saber bayonet has a 22 1/2 inch polished steel blade with spear point. The brass hilt has cast-ribbed grips and a bird's head pommel with serial number "8611" marked on the flat of the hilt. The reverse ricasso is stamped "COLLINS & CO" in an arch above "HARTFORD/CONN."
Fine with scattered areas of moderate freckling, and distinct markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is also fine showing the original oil finished walnut with raised feathered grains, a few scattered pressure dents, chips and scratches, and defined edges overall with a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. Included saber bayonet is very good.
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