M1861 Trenton Contract

James T. Hodge and Addison M. Burt were given government contracts to build US M1861 Springfield pattern rifles in December 1861. The two men set up shop in New Jersey's Trenton Locomotive Works. While their contracts were for a total of 50,000 muskets the two only delivered some 20,000 muskets to the Federal government while selling an unknown amount 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 most surviving examples can be found with NJ stamps. 

This musket is an "antique condition" with a heavy patina covering the barrel and most of the metal parts. The lock shows some evidence of cleaning, ,but the stamps are deep and legible. The hammer holds solid on both full and half cock and the action is smooth. 

The stock is quite nice with no cracks or splits and some very minor "burnout" behind the hammer. The edges of the lock moldings are nice and crisp; as is the original "NJ" oval cartouche, indicating that this stock was never sanded or refinished.

The barrel is full length and the bore is dark. Both front and rear sight are original; although the rear sight leaves are reproductions. 

The furniture is original and in good condition. The ram rod is a period replacement.