Description
5/16/23 – This is a .58 caliber, percussion rifle musket is a fine Model 1861 contract percussion musket produced by the Parker, Snow Company of Meriden, Connecticut. 40Äù barre. Lockplate is stamped with a large spreadwinged eagle over ÄúU.S.Äù and marked ÄúPARKERSÄô SNOW & CO. / MERIDEN, CONNÄù in front of the hammer. The date of Äú1864Äù is stamped back of the hammer. This marking is believed to be the product of the James Mulholland contract of 1861 of which only 5,500 such muskets were delivered to the government and would represent the first venture in firearms manufacturing by Charles Parker of Meriden. There is heavy brown “attic” patina and spotty oxidation throughout. There is also pin-pricking on most of the parts. Heavier pitting and some surface rust on the butt plate. Nice wood stock, but there is a hairline crack on the left side, near the breech. The bore has good rifling, but there are spots of surface oxidation here and there. Comes with an original bayonet and ram rod. There is a small chip along the edge of the bayo blade.
