Enfield and the blue finish

[tackitt27]

Everyone I've talked to says the same about no blue finish. However, its evident its there in places. It is a contract rifle made by a "E. G. Robinson". It has limited military service I can tell. The butt plate is worn, like some guy stood with it on pickett duty forever outside Wash DC, but never got to fire it much. I guess i'll never know, but thanks for the info.

[tomh]

tackitt27,

It sounds like your contract musket is a Robinson made Model 61 which would have an arsenal bright barrel but would have a blued rear sight. The leaves of the sight would fit into a base that was attached to the barrel and all the sight elements were blued to eliminate glare when sighting. I have seen specimens where the top surfaces of the blades were worn bright but the underside remained blued.

Different parts of the Model 61/63 series of Rifle Muskets were blued. Most all had blued triggers, all had blued rear sights. I have a rare 64 dated Springfield Model 63 Type II with blued barrel band retaining springs and sling swivels. However, no Springfield or contract Model 61/63 had a blued barrel.

Hope this helps,
TomH