U.S. Model 1863 Parker, Snow & Co. Contract Rifle-Musket – Civil War

Offered here is an original U.S. Civil War Model 1863 percussion rifle-musket manufactured by Parker, Snow & Company of Meriden, Connecticut. These rifles were produced under U.S. government contract during the American Civil War and supplied to Union forces during the later years of the conflict.

The lock plate is clearly marked:

“PARKER SNOW & CO. – MERIDEN CONN.”

along with the American eagle and 1863 date, identifying the rifle as a government contract musket produced for Union military service. Parker, Snow & Co. was one of several contractors who manufactured rifles based on the standard Springfield Model 1861 / 1863 pattern to help meet the enormous demand for arms during the Civil War.

This rifle follows the standard configuration of the .58 caliber percussion rifle-musket, the primary infantry weapon used by Union soldiers throughout the war. The long barrel and rifled bore allowed for accurate fire using the Minie ball projectile, which revolutionized infantry combat during the mid-19th century.

Features of this rifle include:

• Parker, Snow & Co. contract Civil War rifle-musket

• Lock plate dated 1863 with U.S. eagle marking

• .58 caliber percussion ignition system

• Full-length walnut military stock

• Iron furniture with sling swivels

• Long military rifle-musket barrel

• Standard single trigger military configuration

These contract muskets were issued to Union infantry units and saw service in the latter part of the Civil War. Like many surviving examples, this rifle displays the honest wear and patina expected of a military firearm that is more than 160 years old.

The metal surfaces exhibit a natural aged finish with scattered oxidation and service wear, while the walnut stock shows handling marks consistent with military use. These characteristics contribute to the historical authenticity and character of the piece.

Contract rifles such as those produced by Parker, Snow & Co. are an important part of Civil War arms production history. As the war expanded, the U.S. government relied heavily on private manufacturers to supply rifles to the rapidly growing Union Army.

Today these rifles remain popular with collectors of Civil War militaria, U.S. military arms, and early American percussion firearms.

Manufacturer: Parker, Snow & Co.

Location: Meriden, Connecticut

Model: U.S. Model 1863 Rifle-Musket (Contract)

Caliber: .58

Ignition: Percussion

Era: American Civil War

A genuine Union contract rifle-musket from the American Civil War.

FREE SHIPPING!