Trenton U.S. Model 1861 Rifle-Musket, New Jersey State-Marked, 1864-Dated, .58 Caliber, 40-Inch Barrel
This Trenton contract U.S. Model 1861 rifle-musket is a New Jersey state-marked, 1864-dated example of a Civil War–era percussion long arm. It carries crisp state and federal markings, including "U.S / TRENTON" on the lock with the federal eagle, "N.J" property marks on the barrel and stock, and U.S. V/P/eagle head proofs. It features a 40-inch rifled barrel with three spring-retained bands and comes with a socket bayonet and leather scabbard.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: There is deep pitting throughout the metal. The finish shows loss with dents and handling wear. The walnut stock has areas with small chips. There is visible rust inside the bore. The barrel exhibits surface rust.
The percussion cone/nipple is missing from the bolster (threaded seat empty); the clean-out screw remains present. Overall, the piece would benefit from careful restoration.
What’s Included
- Socket bayonet with locking ring and triangular blade
- Leather bayonet scabbard
Produced under contract by Trenton, this U.S. Model 1861 rifle-musket is clearly marked "U.S / TRENTON" on the lockplate beneath the federal eagle. The breech/tang is dated 1864, and the barrel carries the U.S. V/P over eagle head proofs, confirming inspection and acceptance during the period.
State ownership is documented by an "N.J" property stamp on the barrel and an oval "N.J" cartouche in the stock. These New Jersey markings add clear provenance to this contract musket and help place it within state service during the Civil War era.
The 40-inch rifled barrel is secured by three spring-retained bands. The front sight doubles as the bayonet stud, and the rear sight is an elevating leaf pattern appropriate to the model. The percussion bolster retains its clean-out screw; the percussion cone/nipple is absent.
Configuration is classic for the type: .58 caliber, single-shot percussion muzzleloader with an external hammer. Iron/steel furniture remains in arsenal bright finish. The full-length, oil-finished walnut stock provides a 13.25-inch length of pull.
Built in the United States in 1864, this rifle-musket represents the standard infantry arm of the American Civil War period and retains the contract, proof, and state property markings that collectors look for in an authenticated example.