Sarson & Roberts 1861 Contract ID

[Siringo]

I recently purchased a Sarson & Roberts 1861 Contract Rifle. Or that is what it is supposed to be. The lock is correct in that it is marked "U.S.", "New York", "1862". However there is no date stamp on the barrel or proof marks on the rear angular side of the barrel. Also, there is not a Maker Mark on the stock lock bolt side. Plus, there is no "U.S." stamp of the top of the butt plate.

From what I understand they only made 5,600 and their quality control was not so good. There was a classification system and many of the rifles never made it to service.

I'm curious if anyone on this forum has any knowledge of this contract rifle and its idiosyncrasies.

Thanks

 

[PathfinderNC]

Pics?

 

[Siringo]

Pics?

Pics?

I'll try later. The gun is in pieces at the moment and it is a conveluted process for me to post pictures.

 

[hawkeye2]

The stamps on the lock bolt side are inspectors stamps, not maker's marks. Those are faint and also easily removed if the stock has been refinished. The barrel should carry proof marks but not necessarily a date. If this was a skirmisher's gun it's possible the barrel is a replacement but even then it should have a mark identifying the maker. Three lands & grooves?

 

[Siringo]

The stamps on the lock bolt side are inspectors stamps, not maker's marks. Those are faint and also easily removed if the stock has been refinished. The barrel should carry proof marks but not necessarily a date. If this was a skirmisher's gun it's possible the barrel is a replacement but even then it should have a mark identifying the maker. Three lands & grooves?

Yes on the rifling. I have seen pictures of the "Sarson & Roberts" on the bolt side flat. In between both bolts.

 

[hawkeye2]

Well I learned something here! I had never heard of a Sarson & Roberts 61 so I googled it and found this.

https://collegehillarsenal.com/extremely-scarce-sarson-roberts-1861-contract-rifle-musket
I suggest you take your questions over the the Small Arms section of the North-South Skirmish Assn. (N-SSA) forum, there are some knowledgeable people over there. Congratulations on finding one of the rarest contract pieces out there.

We need photos!

 

[Siringo]

Here are some pictures. I added another not mentioned in my original post of the front sight. It appears to be a factory dovetail.

 

[steved]

I wonder why there are no cartouches present on the stock flat opposite the lock, as the stock does not appear to have been sanded. Nor do I see any proof marks on the barrel flat at the breech. Also, there is no US stamp on the heel of the butt plate. From what I read in the provided link, this contractor really struggled to produce arms under their contract and the lack of proofs and other details seems to reflect their struggles.

 

[TNBandit]

If I had to guess I'd think the lack of proofs and stock cartouche tells me it was never accepted by the government. Just an educated guess.