U.S. Model 1861 Norwich Rifle Musket (AL5548)

The Norwich Arms Company, Norwich, CT, produced 25,000 Model 1861 58 caliber percussion rifle muskets for the Union in 1863 and 1864. The overall length is approx. 56". The 40" round barrel has a fair bore with visible rifling. The barrel has a smooth brown patina with very light roughness around the4 bolster. It has the standard V over P over eagle proofs and 1863 at the top. The lock has the federal eagle at the center, U.S. over NORWICH to the right and 1863 at the tail. The lock, hammer, and all other metal parts have a smooth brown patina. The stock is good with wood loss along the right upper barrel channel,  a large dented area on the right butt, small chips at the rear of the barrel, an old stress cracks at the front and rear of the lock, the number 2448 stamped on the left flat, and two visible cartouches on the left flat. The swivels are present and the ramrod is absent. The action functions correctly. The Model 1861 was the most used Union Civil War musket and should be in any Civil War collection.