James T. Hodge and Addison M. Burt both received contracts for 50,000 muskets of Springfield Pattern on December 26,1861. In February Burt made an application to join Hodge in this musket making venture without forming a partnership. A partnership would have voided both contracts.
They succeeded in this and made their muskets at the Trenton Locomotive Works in Trenton NJ. Burt delivered 11,495 muskets on his contract to the Federal Government while Hodge delivered 10,500.
They also delivered an unknown number to various States and private militia outfits.
This particular musket was purchased by the State of New Jersey and is some marked both of the left flat of the barrel and also on the left side of the stock opposite the lock plate. This musket is dated 1863 and has a near mint bore.
The wood is quite fine and had strong edges with raised grain. There is some sporadic surface pitting. There is no pitting or flash etching on the bolster.
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