U.S. Model 1861 rifle musket by WM. Muir & Co.

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A U.S. Model 1861 .58 caliber rifle musket produced by William Muir & Company for use by the Army and Marine Corps during the American Civil War. The rifle is constructed of a walnut stock, steel barrel, barrel bands, front and rear sights, stored ramrod and fittings. The barrel bands are engraved with a “U” on their undersides. The top of the barrel bear the hammer bears a dated engraving, “1863”, parallel (on the barrel’s proper left) to which are manufacturer proof marks “V/P”. A “47 / 50” is stamped along the proper left stock parallel to the barrel’s date and proof marks. A “58” is stamped along the top of the breech, adjacent to the hammer. The proper right lock plate features an engraved eagle and manufacturer’s identification: [U.S. / WM MUIR & CO. / WINDSOR LOCKS,CT.]. Close to the butt screw, at edge of its extended plate, is a “US” engraving.

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