NEAR NEW SAVAGE 1861 N.J. CONTRACT RIFLE

BARREL 40". CALIBER .58. Savage Revolving Fire Arms Co of Middletown Conn made abot 25,000 rifles under contract to the US Government for the war effort. from 1862-1864. The date, 1863, along with Savage, address and eagle are stamped on lock. The date, 1863, along with eagle head and VP, are stamped on left side of barrel. Instead of a government cartouche on left side, it is stamped NJ for New Jersey militia. This same NJ is stamped on the left side of the barrel. It is a standard rifle with two leaf folding rear sight, post front sight , 3-band with no bayonet lug. There is a sling swivel on trigger guard and rear band. Butt plate is stamped US. The gun appears unfired or issued. All metal is in the white and is like new, no signs of cleaning, with some minor freckles. The stock is outstanding, near mint , with few light impressions. The bore is near mint and protected by a wooden tapon. One would be hard pressed to find a finer example of an un-issued Civil War rifle. A