A Model 1863 Type I rifled musket in .58 caliber, made around 1864 by Samuel Norris and William T. Clement under a state contract; the lock plate reads S.N. & W.T.C. For Massachusetts beneath the U.S. eagle. The 40-inch round barrel carries a spotted grey patina, and the initials F.B.H., probably a sub-inspector or soldier, appear ahead of the barrel date and again on the left of the stock. The stock shows light handling marks and rates very good, as does the musket overall. The lock holds at half and full cock, and a U.S.-marked socket bayonet comes with it.

For a Massachusetts collector this musket has a direct tie to the Commonwealth: it was bought by the state to arm its own men when Federal production fell short. Its .58 bore happens to sit inside the .44 to .775 muzzleloader range MassWildlife sets for the primitive firearms season, but a contract musket of this age is a display piece first and a shooter a distant second.

Key features

• .58 caliber rifled musket, 40-inch round barrel
• Lock marked S.N. & W.T.C. For Massachusetts
• Made circa 1864, Massachusetts state contract arm
• Very good overall, action holds half and full cock
• U.S.-marked socket bayonet included

This musket ships to the Massachusetts FFL dealer you choose, where you present an FID card or License to Carry to take it home.