Model 1861 Rifle-Musket, Hodge & Burt (Trenton) / SOLD

Good condition Model 1861 made under contract by Hodge & Burt of Trenton, New Jersey. All metal surfaces exhibit a mottled brown/gray patina. The bore is bright with good rifling remaining. The stock is in nice condition with typical dings from service, with a deep “N.J” on the left flat of the stock. The tulip head ramrod is original and correct with the retaining swell. The barrel is dated 1863 with “VP” and eagle proof marks, as well as the “N.J.” state marking. The original rear sight is complete with both elevation leaves. The lock plate is dated 1863 and marked “U.S. Trenton.” The action is tight and functions on all positions, and the cone is in excellent condition.

James Hodge and Addison Burt leased the Trenton Locomotive & Machine Company to manufacture model 1861 rifle-muskets under a December 26, 1861 contract for 50,000 stands. After a slow start, Hodge and Burt were able to deliver some 21,000 arms to the government. By 1863 they were delivering arms to the State of New Jersey as well. Most of these arms were marked “Trenton” and continued to be marked as such until the end of the war. This Model 1861 is in nice condition and a good representative example of the classic Civil War rifle-musket.

Inventory Number:  RIF 152 / SOLD