The Model 1861 Rifle Musket was the standard issue infantry arm used throughout the Civil War. A soldier attached an infantry cap badge to the stock of this particular rifle. Originally made by the Springfield Armory, the U.S. government contracted with twenty private firms to meet the war time demand for rifles. It is estimated that about one million Model 1861–type rifle muskets were manufactured during the war.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.