CIVIL WAR Antique U.S. ALFRED JENKS & Son “BRIDESBURG” M1861 Rifle-Musket 1863 U.S. CONTRACT with “BRIDESBURG” Lock

Product Description

CIVIL WAR Antique U.S. ALFRED JENKS & Son “BRIDESBURG” M1861 Rifle-Musket  

1863 U.S. CONTRACT with “BRIDESBURG” Lock

Here we present an antique U.S. Alfred Jenks & Son Contract Bridesburg Model 1861 Rifle-Musket, made in 1863. The Model 1861 is representative of the “everyman’s” rifle during the American Civil War. About 1.5 million rifle-muskets were made in the U.S., over 800,000 of which were made by the Springfield Armory. In 1861 the Union was trying to make up for arms shortages and the destruction of the Harpers Ferry Armory with production at Springfield, supplementing this with contracts with over 20 other contractors, like Alfred Jenks & Son, for rifle-muskets. Jenks produced approximately 44,000 of the Model 1861 muskets.

This was the last hurrah of the rifle-musket as arms development and tactics rapidly advanced during the short period of the American Civil War. Nevertheless, the 1861 represented new technology as it was made for use with the Minié ball, a hollow based, conical projectile that was small enough to quickly push down the muzzle of a rifled barrel and expanded to create a good gas seal unlike a solid, round ball. Almost immediately after the war, the U.S. military switched from the old muzzle loading type weapons to the newer breech loading rifles, bringing an end to the musket as a standard frontline firearm in American history.

This example bears a lock from the Alfred Jenks & Son contract that is dated “1863”. The lock reads “U.S. BRIDESBURG”.

The overall condition is good. Strong action. The nipple is plugged/clogged. The bore has darkened and remains in good shape for its age. Finish on the barrel has settled in as a dark brown patina. No sights are present. Markings are worn. Shortened buttstock. “1863” dated lock. The ramrod is missing.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 28-1/8 inches.

Caliber: .61 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$1800
#250315