Named 1864 Alfred Jenks & Son Bridesburg Contract US Civil War Rifle Musket

Named Model 1861 Alfred Jenks & Son, Bridesburg, Pennsylvania, Contract US Percussion Civil War Rifle Musket, .58 Cal, mfg. 1864. We acquired this musket from a gentleman in Deep River, Connecticut when we went on a holiday two summers ago. He claimed it had belonged to a distant relative named “Lane" also from Deep River who had fought at Antietam among other notable battles and that the gun had been hanging above the family mantle for over half a century. The metal shows heavy pitting overall, particularly around the lock, and had been carefully cleaned long ago to a bright appearance. Otherwise it's a very solid original gun with good edges, nice stock, and great mechanics. Although partially obscured the lock is legibly marked “US / BRIDESBURG” with “1864” date at the tail. The stock shows moderate wear with a pleasing dark untouched patina and only minor rubbing around the lock with a few small old chips along the ramrod channel. Very good overall with no cracks and little marring. Visible inspector's cartouches with owner's name “LANE” period stamped opposite the lock. Original “US” marked buttplate is additionally stamped with regimental rack number “50”. Original triggerguard, screws, “U” marked barrel bands (rear band loose), nosecap, sling swivels, ramrod, post front sight, and flip-up leaf rear sight (damage to the first standing leaf). The action is remarkably crisp and firm and functions perfectly. Intact original nipple. Very good bore with relatively bright, sharp rifling. There's superfine blackpowder frosting throughout and some wear just at the very tip of the muzzle but overall it's quite good. A totally original authentic Civil War musket that's never been on the collector market until now.