Whitney Model 1855 Rifle Muskets
Using the same barrels that he used to produce his Long Enfield rifle muskets as well as the early Connecticut contract production, Whitney assembled very few rifle muskets incorporating the Maynard tape priming system. The barrels bear English barrel markings indicating foreign purchase of some parts. Other barrels bear V/P/star proof marks and are marked G.W.Q. on the left flat. Some barrels havea serial code of letters over numbers near the muzzle. The lockplates on these models are usually flawed, suggesting that he may have purchased condemed parts. They had an EAGLE on the primer door, E.WHITNEY over
N.HAVEN foward of the door and a date either 1858 or 1859 horizontally stamped on the rounded tail.
The furniture is iron except for a pewter nosecap and brass lockscrew ferrels both enfield styled. Ramrods have brass heads.
| E. Whitney/ Model 1855 Lockplate Markings |
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