1862 Colt "Special Model 1861" rifled musket marked "U.S. COLTS PT F.A. MFG CO HARTFORD CT." The buttstock tang is marked "U.S". .58 caliber. Overall 55 3/4" L; Barrel 40" L. Bright steel finish to all metal parts with a full length walnut stock and three screw-tensioned barrel bands. This original Civil War shoulder arm is a Colt "Special Model 1861" contract rifle musket made from 1861 to 1865 by the Colt Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. Though no serial numbers were used during the production of the M1861 Special musket, records indicate that some 100,000 such muskets were produced during that period with many supplied for various state sub-contracts. Note: Owner's tag reads "Dug in Barboursville", referring to unearthing the gun in Barboursville, WV. The Battle(s) of Barboursville occurred on July 14th, 1861, and in September of 1862.

Cleaned. Missing ramrod, rear sight, hammer, and nipple. Pitting to metal lock plate, barrel and tension bands. Screws replaced on tension bands. Letters carved in wood: RF, T8 MITCHELL, RUSS, etc.