Model 1861 Bridesburg Contract Rifled Musket
Confederate Captured & Reissued Example 

$2,000.00

1 in stock

Description

Model 1861 Bridesburg Contract Rifled Musket
Confederate Captured & Reissued Example 

 

An outstanding Civil War artifact with documented Confederate capture and reissue characteristics, this Model 1861 Bridesburg Contract Rifled Musket represents a weapon that served on both sides of the conflict. Originally manufactured for Federal service, the musket was later captured, collected, and reissued by Confederate forces, adding a highly desirable layer of historical significance.  

 

The steel components have developed a rich, deep brown patina throughout, giving the musket an attractive untouched appearance. The lockplate is clearly marked with the federal eagle over “U.S. Bridesburg” and dated 1862 behind the hammer. The “U.S.” stamp on the buttplate tang remains distinct and easily visible.  

 

At the breech, the angled barrel flat retains the standard inspection markings, including the eagle head and “V / P” proof and view marks. Moderate pitting is present on the top of the breech area from percussion cap residue accumulated during military service. The bore retains visible rifling, though it exhibits wear and scattered pitting consistent with active use.  

 

Of particular interest are the Confederate capture and inventory markings. The underside of the stock, forward of the trigger guard, is stamped with the letter “Q,” a marking associated with Confederate captured-and-collected arms. These markings, coupled with the musket’s documented history, significantly enhance its appeal to collectors seeking weapons with dual Union and Confederate service.  

 

The rear sight retains only the fixed leaf, with the elevation leaf absent. The rear sling swivel remains intact, while the front sling swivel has broken away. All three barrel bands are stamped with the letter “U.”  

 

The walnut stock remains solid and attractive overall, showing honest service wear. A period replacement ramrod is present; however, it is the incorrect trumpet-tipped style intended for a Model 1842 .69 caliber smoothbore musket rather than a Model 1861 rifle-musket.  

 

Mechanically, the lock functions properly, holding securely at both half-cock and full-cock positions. The musket remains a strong display piece and an important representative example of the many Federal arms that found a second life in Confederate service.  

 

Weapons that can be documented as having served both the Union and Confederate armies are highly sought after by advanced collectors. This Bridesburg Contract rifle-musket combines desirable maker markings, Civil War battlefield history, Confederate reissue attributes, and strong visual appeal, making it an exceptional addition to any serious Civil War arms collection. 

 

Inventory Number: RIF 368

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Confederate Captured & Reissued Example ”

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