Item Description
Original item: One of a Kind. This is a truly amazing find, coming to us among a collection of late 19th century rifles, mostly bolt action, from an old Collection in South Carolina. It really came right out of the woodwork. This is absolutely as it was put away more than 100 years ago, now only very gently cleaned and found to be 100% original.
At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 the Confederacy were counting on support from England for Arms and the tools to manufacture them. Unexpectedly,the Union quickly blocked the Confederate Southern States' ports, eliminating importation of the much needed Manufacturing equipment from England.
The war progressed into 1862 and much to the Washington Government’s surprise, the Confederates had considerable successes, including the capture of the Union Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. This achieved, they immediately transferred all the built M1855 Muskets together with mountains of component parts and most importantly, the Machinery to make them. Using these the South started their own manufacturing plant at the Richmond Armory, in Richmond, Virginia, the Capital of the Confederacy.
In short order production produced the RICHMOND TYPE 3 PERCUSSION RIFLE, based on the Springfield M-1855 Percussion Musket with certain improvements including using a RIFLED 40".58 Caliber barrel which served the South until the War's end in 1865.
Our example is Classic LOW HUMP lock plate NOT incorporating the Maynard tape primer system used on the M-1855 Muskets from Harper's Ferry. The barrel is 40" in length and is dated 1864. Proof markings of V / P / eagle head are visible on the breech left facet but are worn. The lock is marked C.S. / RICHMOND and 1863 on the lock plate tail, as per the pattern.
We feel this example exhibits a number of Harpers Ferry captured parts in its assembly, such as the tell tale BRASS butt plate and iron barrel bands, all bands stamped with the “U”. The original iron ramrod actually screws into position under the barrel and is still present.
The lock is fully functional, holding at half-cock and firing at full. The rifle also still retains the correct 3 leaf flip up rear sight, which still functions well. The barrel shows clear 3 groove rifling, showing only light use. There is also not a lot of powder burn around the cap bolster, so this rifle was apparently not fired very much.
ORIGINAL and UNTOUCHED just gently hand cleaned, possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity. This could be the crown jewel of your Civil War Collection. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1863 / 1864
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Minie Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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