Savage Revolving Fire Arms Co, of Middletown. Connecticut, produced 25,520 muskets under the subcontract. The majority of these muskets were delivered to the Federal government while an unknown number were sold direct to state militias. This particular musket is one of the state militia-owned guns as evidenced by the New Jersey markings found on both the stock and breech. It seems that a majority of the state-owned Trenton muskets went to New Jersey, as a most surviving examples can be found with NJ stamps.
Like many issued muskets, this Trenton remains in absolutely fantastic condition. It is 100% percent correct, and the stamps and proof marks on the all the components are all of Trenton manufacture according to Hartzler, Yantz, and Whisker's book The U.S. Model 1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket.
The lock is in great shape with a perfect, untouched patina and good legible lock markings. The mechanics are perfect and the lock holds solid at both full and half cock.
The stock is well above average for a M1861. There are no chips or cracks anywhere and no burn-out behind the nipple. The NJ cartouche are deep and legible. The lock moldings are wonderfully crisp as the stock has never been sanded or cleaned.
The barrel is good with excellent stamps at the breech and a great untouched patina. Both front and rear sights are intact and unmodified. The bore is good with sharp rifling and some scattered "frost pitting".
The furniture is all original and all matching. The front swivel is broken. The ramrod is full length.
This M1861 just screams Civil War history and would make for a great addition to any history buff's collection.
