Theo:

I have found some information (Ordnance Dept. records) on the number of different arms purchased by soldiers upon mustering out of CW service. Items covered are mostly rifles, carbines and revolvers. The breakdown is by State and by Manufacturer but unfortunately there are no prices included with this info. I have seen some current day writers refer to soldiers taking their arms home after having the price of the weapon deducted from their mustering out pay but no prices are mentioned. They cite a book by Francis A. Lord entitled THEY FOUGHT FOR THE UNION. I don't own this publication, possibly you can find it or do an inter-library loan at your local library. The only time I have ever read about a price was a reference to soldiers taking home 17 Savage Revolving Fire Arms revolvers. Their price was $8 each which would seen reasonable as the Savage was purchased by the Ordnance Dept for $18 - $20 each. I wouldn't know where else to tell you to look. Good Luck.

Mark Anniballi
Boca Raton, FL