E. Whitney Connecticut Contract Rifle Muskets
The State of Connecticut contracted with
E. Whitney for 5,700 M1861 rifle-muskets differing slightly from the standard Model 1861. The arms Whitney delivered had a modified
single leaf rear sight, a brass tipped ramrod and used Enfield bayonets other wise they were typical of the 1861 type. A number of
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. The State of Connecticut did not surcharge these arms. There are three lockplate types associated with
the state contract. The first is devoid of any markings execept E. Whitney over N. HAVEN in two lines infront between
the hammer and bolster. A second type used the same basic stamping of the "Plymouth" rifle with the U.S. deleted. It has a large spread Eagle\
and panoply fo flags between the hammer & bolster over WHITNEYVILLE in two lines. There are no dates on this lockplate.
A third type is often associated with the Connecticut contract that has the markings as the eagle panoply above and dated 1863 vertically behind the hammer.
Also this plate is thinner and is inlet flush with the stock.
| E. Whitney Connecticut Contract Type 1 Lockplate |
|
| E. Whitney Connecticut Contract Type 2 Lockplate |
|
| E. Whitney Connecticut Contract Type 3 Lockplate |
|