Description
Seldom seen example of a Model 1863 SN&WTC rifled musket shortened to around a 31” barrel, arsenal grade. These weapons are often called “artillery carbines” as many were used in the field where a 40” barrel wasn’t easy to use. There is limited documentation to these alterations but several are known issued to both New Jersey and Massachusetts artillery forces.
The weapon retains the full original form but has been shortened and a new combination front sight/bayonet lug affixed. Overall condition is very good to fine.
It is not known how many were altered or where they were shortened, but most fit the profile for arsenal grade work which includes crowning of the muzzle. Others may have been shortened in the 1960s for use by North South Skirmish Association shooting events but there is hard documentation of them existing in the Civil War era as well. Some collectors feel they may have also been altered for military academy cadet use. In any event, one of these interesting weapons belongs in every Civil War gun collection!
.58 caliber “S. Norris & W.T. Clement” contract Model 1863, single-shot muzzleloader in very good plus overall condition. The Norris & Clement contract musket was a product of the Samuel Norris and W.T. Clement factory of Springfield, Massachusetts. Some three thousand longarm weapons were produced by the firm directly for the State of Massachusetts during the years of 1863 and 1864.
