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

Good condition model 1861 made under contract by Hodge & Burt of Trenton, New Jersey. The metal is bright with even and light scattered. The bore is slightly dark with visible rifling remaining and would clean up well if desired. The stock is unvarnished and in nice condition with typical dings from service, with a visible NJ cartouche and number “11” on the left flat of the stock. Just under the tang is stamped the large letter “F,” and just above the buttplate on the comb is stamped “F” and “62.” These may be company letters and rack numbers. The tulip head ramrod is in fine condition and is the 1863 pattern. The barrel is dated 1863 with “VP” and eagle proof marks, as well as the “N.J.” state marking. The lock plate is dated 1864 and marked “Trenton.” The action is tight and functions on all positions, and the cone is in very good 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 134 / SOLD