Unit Weapons Reports from the Army of the Potomac at the beginning of 1863 revealed 74 % of the army’s infantrymen carried first class rifles. These were either .58 Caliber Springfield Model 1861 Rifle Muskets and similar “contract” rifle-muskets [46%]; .577/.58 Caliber Enfield Rifle Muskets [25%]; or comparable foreign or domestic weapons [3 %].

The artifacts were produced in 1863. The standard Model 1855 steel bayonet and scabbard (marked: “WATERTOWN ARSENAL 1863”) was issued to each infantryman. (Conner Collection – SCHS)