On 6 November 1861 William Welch of Welch, Brown & Co., Norfolk, Conn received a contract for 18,000 M1861 rifle-muskets and a second contract on 12 January 1864 for 2,500 more. These were typical M1861s in all respects. The lock is marked with the American eagle and 1863 to the left and U.S. / Norfolk to the right. This is a .58 caliber, single-shot muzzleloader with a 40" round barrel secured by three barrel bands and a cleanout screw on the bolster. It is 56" long and weighs 9 lbs, 2 oz. All metal parts were originally finished bright, but the barrel has aged to a somewhat mottled gray, and there is some pitting behind the nipple cone. The stock is walnut and the wood is clean and smooth. U.S. has been stamped on the butt plate's tang and the Us on the barrel bands are sharp. There are no other visible markings. The action is very tight and there is little wear on the nipple. The ramrod is correct. This is a very representative M1861 musket, quite handsome in appearance.