March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/2/2018
William Mason manufactured about 30,000 of these Model 1861 rifle muskets between 1863 and 1864 for the government during the Civil War. Round rifled barrel with bayonet lug/front sight mounted on top near muzzle and two leaf rear sight. Left side of breech stamped "V / P / (Eagle's Head)". Flat percussion lockplate dated 1864 at tail, stamped "WM. MASON/TAUNTON." in center. Standard Model 1861 steel furniture. Plain walnut stock stamped on left side with partially visible cartouches. Steel ramrod. Complete with triangular socket bayonet marked "US" at top of blade and with steel scabbard. Barrel and all steel components retain a light brown patina with some scattered areas of pitting, especially at breech and around bolster. Front leaf of sight is broken off and missing. Refinished stock shows edge wear, age cracks, and some scattered marked from use, some minor losses and a repair on left side, opposite lock. Bayonet retains a light grey patina with some wear and marks, scabbard has a brown patina. A very nice Civil War musket by a scarce maker.