These were made by J.T. Hodge and A.M. Burton at the Trenton Locomotive and Machine Co. in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1863 and 1864. This one is dated "1863" at the rear of the lockplate and "1864" on top of the barrel (it is not uncommon for the dates on 1861 muskets to vary by one year). The markings on the metal are in excellent condition with an eagle motif and "U.S. / TRENTON" on the lockplate, a "V / P / 'eaglehead'" on one barrel flat, and "N. J." on the left side of the barrel. The heel of the buttplate is marked "US" over a rack number "25." A second rack number "8" is stamped into the wood in front of the heel of the buttplate, and an "F" behind the top tang. The 40″ barrel has an excellent bore and the lock functions well. The metal is a clean steel gray with an even freckling of small age spots on the barrel. The stock has an illegible inspector's cartouche on the left flat, has two short age cracks (.5″ and 1″) at the lockplate, and is sound with normal light handling marks. An original steel ramrod in fine condition is included. These muskets would have been issued only to New Jersey regiments during the Civil War. RR Auction COA.
