WM. Mason Contract Rifle Muskets
.
William Mason of Taunton, Mass., contracted with the War Dept. to manufacture regulation model 1861 rifle muskets in 1861.
All muskets delivered were of the model 1861 type. Lockplates were usually marked with an eagle in front of the hammer and US over Wm Mason over
TAUNTON MASS in three lines. The date was marked behind the hammer. Examples of model 1863 rifle muskets also exist bearing Mason's markings, indicating that his shops
were either retooled for this production, or assembled from various sub contracted parts. There also exists regulation 1861 models with no markings except the date 1864 behind the hammer
. The stamping appears identical to Mason's date stamp and may be attributed to him. The only difference in the weapon is that the rear sight is 6 inches from the breech instead of the usual 2 3/4 inches.
| Date of Contract |
No. Contracted |
Price of Contract |
No. Delivered |
| Jan 7,1861 |
30,000 |
$20.00 |
30,000 |
| June 25,1862 |
30,000 |
$20.00 |
none |
| WM. Mason Lockplate Markings |
|
| Blank Lockplate Markings |
|