Make: S. Norris & W.T. Clement, Springfield, Massachusetts

Model: Massachusetts Contract Model 1863 Type I Rifle-Musket

Serial number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1864 / Antique

Caliber: .58 Caliber

Action Type: Single-Shot, Muzzleloading, Percussion Rifle-Musket

Barrel Length: 40"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the bayonet stud near the muzzle. The rear sight is a folding two-leaf military sight mounted to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece walnut with a straight wrist, straight comb, full-length forend, three screw-clamping barrel bands, iron nosecap, and iron buttplate. Sling swivels are mounted to the middle barrel band and trigger guard. A steel ramrod is retained beneath the barrel. The stock shows honest service and age wear with scattered scratches, nicks, compressions, dents, finish wear, and handling marks throughout. The edges around the lock and metal furniture show additional wear from age and use. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The plate has been nickel plated and shows scattered surface oxidation. Overall, the stock is in Good antique condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel Plated

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its nickel refinish. There is scattered oxidation, freckling, discoloration, and light surface pitting, with somewhat heavier oxidation around the percussion bolster, nipple, and hammer. There is some flaking on the bands. The markings remain clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition as refinished antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Overall Condition: The Model 1863 Type I rifle-musket represented the final refinement of the standard Civil War-era .58 caliber percussion rifle-musket before Springfield Armory moved to the simplified Type II configuration. Massachusetts contracted with Samuel Norris and William T. Clement of Springfield for rifle-muskets during 1863 and 1864, with the Type I distinguished by its screw-clamping barrel bands and two-leaf rear sight. Norris and Clement's arms are particularly recognizable by their Massachusetts contract markings and occupy an interesting niche alongside federally produced Springfields as state-procured arms manufactured during the height of the Civil War.

This 1864 example retains the correct 40" barrel, three screw-clamping bands, two-leaf military rear sight, and full-length military stock associated with the Model 1863 Type I. The later nickel refinish is a substantial departure from its original military finish and reduces originality, but approximately 75% remains, the markings are still legible, the stock is solid without cracks, and the bright, sharply rifled 7/10 bore is a notable attribute in a Civil War-era muzzleloader. For the collector who appreciates Massachusetts contract arms and does not require original finish, this remains a distinctive example of one of the Union's late-war .58 caliber rifle-muskets.