A special contract Model 1861 Springfield musket produced by Lamson, Goodnow & Yale (often referred to as Lamson, Goodnow & Snow in period sources due to associated partners) represents one of the many privately manufactured arms procured for the U.S. government during the American Civil War. This example, dated 1863 on both the lock plate and barrel, falls within a production run of roughly 24,000 muskets delivered that year. The musket is a .58 caliber, muzzle-loading percussion rifle-musket, featuring a 40-inch barrel secured by three screw clamp barrel bands, and a full-length walnut stock, with iron furniture. The lock plate is typically marked with the maker’s name and the date "1863,” along with a federal eagle motif, while the barrel is correspondingly dated and proofed. The overall fit and finish of Lamson, Goodnow & Yale arms are generally regarded as high quality among contract weapons. One notable characteristic of these contract muskets is their slightly more refined machining and finishing compared to some mass-produced government arms, reflecting the industrial capabilities of private manufacturers in Windsor, Vermont. Their production helped meet the enormous wartime demand for small arms as Union forces rapidly expanded. The described musket is an especially attractive and well-preserved example of a contract Model 1861 Springfield produced by Lamson, Goodnow & Yale in Windsor, Vermont, during 1863. The presence of Sharp, well-defined markings on the lock plate and barrel is a strong indicator that the metal has seen relatively light wear and has not been aggressively cleaned or refinished. Equally important is the clear, deeply struck inspector’s cartouche on the stock opposite the lock—this oval stamp signifies U.S. government acceptance and is a key element of authenticity and collector value. Strong cartouches are often worn away on heavily used examples, so their survival here suggests careful use or preservation. The fact that the metal parts were nickel-plated at one time is particularly interesting. Nickel plating was not standard military issue during the American Civil War, so this was almost certainly a post-war modification, often done for ceremonial, militia, or presentation purposes. In some cases, veterans or organizations plated arms for parade use, which can add a layer of historical narrative—though from a strict collector standpoint, it is considered a non-original finish. The mottled appearance on the lock, where the nickel is now flaking and exposing the underlying metal. While this detracts somewhat from originality, it can also visually document the musket’s post-service life. Importantly, if the underlying metal still retains crisp markings, the impact on value may be moderated. Overall, this musket combines several highly desirable traits—excellent markings, strong cartouche, and an accompanying correct bayonet—with an added layer of post-war alteration in the nickel plating. For collectors, it sits at an interesting intersection of originality and historical modification, and would likely be appreciated both as a Civil War firearm and as an artifact that continued to see use or display after the war.