.59 caliber smoothbore. 40" barrel secured by three rounded, spring retained barrel bands. NSN. Heavily oxidized metal, iron mountings, walnut stock. Single shot percussion muzzleloading rifle musket with correct M1864 pattern rear sight, Barleycorn combination front sight and socket bayonet lug, sling swivels and a nearly full-length original straight shank, tulip head ramrod. Lock with standard Springfield markings dated 1864, no visible date or proof marks on the barrel due to pitting. A weak script "ESA" cartouche is visible on the counterpane. A small brass disc is inset into the reverse of the butt engraved with the name "Anthony/Tony/Van Winkle" engraved in three lines in a lovely script hand.

A search of CivilWarData.com did not find an "Anthony" or "Tony" Van Winkle. However, the US Park Service's "Soldier's & Sailors" system did list an "Antonio" Van Winkle who was in the 29th Connecticut Infantry (Colored). The regiment was a late war unit, recruited in the spring of 1864 and initially sent to do service in South Carolina. The regiment was then returned to the Virginia theater of operations where is spent most of that year in the trenches before Petersburg, with some fighting at Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Chaffin's Farm and Fair Oaks. The regiment was present for the occupation of Richmond on April 3, 1865 and was the first regiment to enter the city. The regiment saw some post-war occupation duty in Texas and Louisiana before being mustered out of service on October 24, 1865 and being officially discharged about one month later.

{ANTIQUE}

Fair to Good. Bore dark, heavily oxidized and bored smooth. Metal with a thick attic brown patina and with moderate pitting, particularly at the breech and on the buttplate. Lock markings mostly clear, barrel markings obscured by pitting. Wood markings weak. Lock is mechanically functional. Wood sanded with scattered bumps, dings and mars.