U.S. Alfred P Jenks and Son Model 1861 Percussion Rifle Musket

At the outbreak of the Civil War, the U.S. government quickly realized that its own armory at Springfield, Massachusetts would be unable to meet the demand for infantry arms. Albert Jenks & Son were among 21 private contractors who manufactured the U.S. Model 1861 Rifle-Musket during the war years. These were a standard infantry arm for Union troops. Over 98,000 BRIDESBURG-marked muskets were produced between 1861 and 1865, making Jenks second only to Springfield Armory in production totals for this long arm.