Here's a beautiful M1861 contract musket made by William Mason of Taunton, Massachusetts. Mason was given a contract to produce M1861 pattern muskets in late 1862, and subsequently delivered his first shipment of arms in early 1863. More than 30,000 muskets were produced by Mason during the course of the War.
This particular example is in excellent, collector grade condition. The lock is in great shape with no rust or pitting and great, sharp markings. The hammer holds solid on both full and half cock with a wonderfully crisp action.
The stock is simply beautiful. The edges are nice and crisp with no damage, other than a small chip missing near the breech plug tang, as well as a small "drying crack" in front of the butt plate tang. The stocks edges are beautifully crisp and sharp, indicating the stock was never sanded or refinished.
The barrel is full length with no rust or pitting. The VP and eagle stamps are legible as is the "1863" date on the breech. The bore is excellent with no rust or pitting and the rifling is very sharp.
All the furniture is original with the exception of an American-made reproduction ram rod, which matches the musket perfectly in terms of condition.
This fine musket is sure to be the pride and joy of anyone's Civil War collection. No collection is complete without an M1861!
