James River Recovered Complete M1861 Bridesburg Musket – Evidences Damage from the Confederate Caused Explosion at City Point in 1864

SOLD

James River Recovered Complete M1861 Bridesburg Musket – Evidences Damage from the Confederate Caused Explosion at City Point in 1864 – This nearly complete M1861 Bridesburg Contract musket was pulled from the site of the Union supply wharves at City Point, in the 1980s. We have had one or two other muskets pulled to the surface by early divers, but this example remains in markedly better condition. The gun has been treated and is not in a deteriorated state; all elements have been conserved and are stabilized. This gun, as were many other great artifacts, was discovered beneath a heavy silt covering, thereby inducing anaerobic conditions and impeding deterioration. The metallic elements of the gun are in very good condition; there is no significant rusting or any flaking. Most intriguing is the condition of the stock – it exhibits a considerable amount of cracking and charring, caused by exposure to flames; in addition, the barrel of the gun is slightly bent, and the ramrod is snapped at the location of the barrel bend; a section of the stock is missing in this same location. We presume that this firearm was in a position on one of the wharves where the Confederate time bomb was deposited, thereby sustaining the damage exhibited today. The heat of the explosion seemingly annealed the metal and, combined with the anaerobic siltation, added an additional aspect of preservation. The lock plate still exhibits traces of the U.S. eagle, the stamping “Bridesburg” and the date “1863”; the stamped “US” is visible on the tang of the butt plate, as well. This firearm bears witness to the significant act of Confederate sabotage that caused multiple casualties and significant damage on August 9, 1864.