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  • /Lot 1251

Lot 1251:Civil War U.S. Colt Special 1861 Rifle-Musket

August 16th, 2025|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
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  • /Lot 1251

Lot 1251:Civil War U.S. Colt Special 1861 Rifle-Musket

August 16th, 2025|Bedford, TX
Estimated Price$5,500 - $8,500
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Outstanding Civil War U.S. Colt Special Model 1861 Contract Percussion Rifle-Musket

An estimated 100,000 Special Model 1861 rifle-muskets were manufactured by Colt between 1861-1865 during the Civil War, according to "Flayderman's Guide" (9th Edition, 5B-255). These Colt Special Model 1861 rifle-muskets were loosely based on the British Pattern 1853 "Enfield" rifle-muskets, and some of the design elements were used on the Springfield Model 1863 rifle. When you consider Colt also manufactured over 200,000 revolvers during the war and suffered a factory fire, and the fact that many contractors failed to supply a few thousand firearms throughout the war, this number is incredible. This outstanding example appears to have seen little if any use at all. It has a blade front sight that doubles as a socket bayonet lug, blue finished three-leaf rear sight, "1864" dated tail of the lock with "U.S." above the Colt manufacturer and Hartford address markings at the center of the lock, a federal eagle motif on the percussion bolster, "1864" date on top of the breech of the barrel with "V/P/(eagle head)" proofs at the upper left and "M.N.M" inspection initials at the left of the breech, two crisp bordered script "JT" inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock flat, trumpet head iron ramrod, single letter inspection initials on various components, and "E.M.W" inspection initials stamped on top of the buttstock ahead of the "U.S" marked buttplate. Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection

ConditionExcellent plus, nearly as issued. The iron surfaces retain their highly attractive original armory bright appearance, with 98% original blue finish on the rear sight, vivid original case colors showing on the trigger, with some areas of old dried preservative grease, a few small patches of very minor surface freckling, and absolutely sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is also excellent plus with attractive grain, distinct edges, a few minor handling marks, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This outstanding U.S. Colt Model 1861 Special rifle-musket would be nearly impossible to improve upon!
Details
ManufacturerColt
Model1861
TypeRifle
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge58
Barrel40 inch round
Finishbright
Stockwalnut
Bore conditionThe excellent bore is shiny with crisp rifling.

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views229
Catalog page254
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