Like many manufacturing companies at the beginning of the Civil War, the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. in Manchester New Hampshire, saw nothing but dollar signs when they secured their first government contract in January of 1862. However, the firm, which was primarily involved in producing textile processing equipment at the beginning of the war, vastly underestimated the strict gauging requirements that the Federal government would be applying to their muskets, as well as the amount of retooling and condemned muskets that would be expended in producing weapons that were deemed acceptable to any of the six government inspectors that would be assigned to the firm. This eventually meant, that after producing more than 27,000 muskets for the Federal Government over the course of war, not only did Amoskeag not turn a profit on their arms-production venture, but the firm would ultimately end up taking a slight loss. Still, Amoskeag faired better than many of the other two dozen contractors who produced rifle muskets for the Federal Government during the war, who ultimately ended up declaring bankruptcy after discovering how much of a financial burden was required in fulfilling their contracts to supply "acceptable" arms for the Union army.
This particular Amoskeag M1861 "Special" musket is in good condition. It features great markings and a natural grey patina.
The stock is very good with no cracks or splits, and a good inspectors cartouche. The left side of the stock has been slightly modified to allow for a better "cheek weld" when shooting.
The lock is in great shape with an attractive even patina and no rust or pitting. The markings are very crisp and the hammer holds solid on both full and half cock.
The bore is very good, but has been reamed smooth. The sights are intact and in good condition.
The furniture is all original and matching The ram rod is original and full length.
Overall, this is a great, all original example of a fairly rare Civil War musket; all for a price that's less than that of an Italian reproduction!
