Bridesburg Model 1863 Rifle Musket

The Bridesburg Model 1863 was essentially the Bridesburg Model 1861 with some minor improvements.

 Updated: 5/9/2016; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com

The Bridesburg Model 1863 was a follow-up to the Bridesburg Model 1861. The rifle-musket was produced by the Bridesburg Machine Works out of Bridesburg, Pennsylvania and owned by Alfred Jenks and his son Barton. The family had made a name for themselves in the cotton and wool industries before the American Civil War came calling. Production facilities were set up to handle the large contract orders from the US government. Bridesburg Machine Works was one such facility, operating as a subcontractor to the Springfield Armory.

The Model 1863 was essentially the Model 1861 with some improvements. The rifle was produced in two major types known simply as "Type 1" and "Type 2". Type 1 noted an improved hammer component as well as well as revised muzzle retaining bands. The Type 2 noted a revised rear sight and spring retainers for the muzzle bands. Externally, she shared many of the design characteristics of the Model 1861 before her including a right-sided hammer and lock plate, metal buttplate and underslung ramrod.

Like the Model 1861, the Model 1863 was also a single-shot, percussion-based, muzzle-loading rifle-musket chambered to fire a .58 caliber cartridge. Her barrel measured in at 40 inches.