Civil War Muskets Used By Vermont Volunteers
I am turning to the net for help in gaining a better understanding of the muskets that would have been used by Vermont volunteers in the latter stages of the Civil War... 1864 through the end of the war in 1865. My research to date has turned up much contradictory evidence.
My great-great grandfather was a member of Company B, 17th Vermont Infantry. Records conflict on exactly when he was mustered in. In his military records, the length of service stated conflicts with the date he was supposedly mustered in... which, in turn, conflicts with official records for Company B. Nonetheless, it's clear that he had to have been mustered in sometime between 1863 and 1865... perhaps having served in a different regiment originally. We just don't know.
Nonetheless, I am determined to understand which muskets were likely to have been used by members of Company B, 17th Vermont Infantry in 1864 and 1865. Beyond likely models and possible contract manufacturers (and I do appreciate that there may have been many variations), I'd like to know if there are specific markings I should look for in order to determine if particular muskets were, in fact, purchased for or issued to Vermont volunteers.
Any and all help greatly appreciated. Thank you.
CLMN