Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an outstanding original Confederate C.S. Richmond Percussion Rifle, manufactured at the Richmond Armory in 1862 during one of the most pivotal periods of the American Civil War. As one of the principal long arms produced by the Confederacy, the Richmond Rifle stands among the most historically significant Southern-made military firearms, representing the South's determined effort to establish a domestic arms industry despite increasingly limited resources.

At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Confederacy expected to rely heavily on imported arms and machinery from England to equip its rapidly expanding armies. Those hopes were quickly dashed when the Union blockade effectively cut off overseas shipments. Fortunately for the Confederacy, one of the war's earliest strategic victories provided exactly what Southern industry desperately needed.

On April 18, 1861, Virginia militia seized the United States Armory at Harpers Ferry. Although Federal troops attempted to destroy the facility before abandoning it, Confederate forces recovered thousands of finished and unfinished Model 1855 rifle muskets, vast quantities of component parts, and, most importantly, much of the specialized machinery used to manufacture them. These invaluable assets were transported to Richmond, Virginia, where they formed the foundation of the Confederate States Armory.

Using the captured machinery and adapting the proven Springfield Model 1855 design, Richmond soon began producing what collectors now know as the C.S. Richmond Rifle. These rifles became the standard Confederate-produced infantry arm and served throughout the remainder of the war.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Richmond production is the evolution of its lock plates.

The earliest Richmond rifles utilized the original Model 1855 lock plate molds, which had been designed to accommodate the Maynard Tape Primer system. Although Richmond omitted the tape primer itself, continuing to use the existing molds allowed production to begin immediately. These early "High Hump" locks extended almost to the underside of the hammer and are today classified by collectors as the Type 1 and Type 2 lock plates.

The earliest examples were simply marked:

RICHMOND, VA.

Shortly thereafter, after the armory officially came under Confederate States control, the markings were changed to:

C.S.
RICHMOND, VA.

creating what collectors identify as the Type 2 lock.

Field experience soon revealed that the high hump profile unnecessarily interfered with placing percussion caps on the cone. Richmond initially addressed this by manually filing down existing lock plates, creating the scarce Type 3 variation.

When the original lock molds eventually required replacement late in 1862, William Wentzel redesigned them to eliminate the unnecessary hump entirely, creating the improved Type 4 Low Hump lock plate directly from the mold rather than by hand modification.

This rifle is fitted with one of these desirable original Type 4 Low Hump lock plates. Unlike earlier examples that were filed down, this lock was manufactured in its final low hump configuration.

The lock is correctly marked:

C.S.
RICHMOND, VA.

and is dated:

1862

The lock was removed for inspection and carefully compared to other known original examples. The font, dimensions, internal construction, and manufacturing characteristics are all correct. Examination of the stock inlet also confirmed that it was never cut for the Maynard Tape Primer feed system, retaining the characteristic "Mule's Foot" mortise associated with original Richmond production. Although a portion of this feature has suffered damage over time, it remains readily identifiable.

The rifle retains its proper 40-inch barrel with strong:

V / P / Eagle Head

inspection marks on the left breech flat.

Several features strongly suggest that Harpers Ferry components were incorporated during assembly. Most notably, the barrel retains its original Federal proof marks rather than the "Broken P" proof often encountered on later Richmond-produced barrels. The barrel bands likewise retain their original "U" markings, further supporting the use of captured Federal parts.

Early Richmond rifles generally utilized salvaged iron butt plates and nose caps from Harpers Ferry stores. As Confederate production continued and steel became increasingly valuable, Richmond transitioned to brass furniture to conserve strategic materials and simplify manufacture. The presence of both the brass butt plate and brass nose cap suggests this rifle was manufactured during the latter part of 1862, precisely during this transitional period.

The original tulip-head iron ramrod with enlarged shank remains beneath the barrel. The threaded end has broken away, a condition commonly encountered on surviving examples.

Mechanically, the rifle remains in very good condition. The lock functions correctly, holding securely at half cock and firing from full cock. It also retains the correct simplified Model 1855 pattern three-leaf rear sight, which remains fully functional.

The bore still exhibits strong three-groove rifling, showing evidence of wartime use along with areas of previous fouling and oxidation that have since been cleaned. Powder erosion around the bolster clearly demonstrates that this rifle saw active service. The percussion cone appears to be an old period replacement, while the bolster cleanout screw remains seized, though its slot is still well preserved.

The metal surfaces display a beautiful mottled gray and brown patina developed through honest service and more than 160 years of age. Areas of former oxidation and light peppering have long since stabilized, giving the rifle exactly the appearance collectors hope to see on an original Confederate arm.

The American black walnut stock has aged to a rich reddish-brown color and retains excellent grain throughout. It remains remarkably solid, with no significant repairs noted. Expected age-related cracking is present around several fittings, along with the typical erosion around the bolster caused by decades of percussion cap residue. Both sling swivels remain present and functional, although the upper swivel exhibits a crack near its base.

Original Richmond rifles rarely become available, particularly examples retaining a correct Type 4 Low Hump lock, probable Harpers Ferry components, and an 1862 production date from this important transitional period of Confederate manufacture.

A wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the South's most iconic military arms and a centerpiece-worthy addition to any advanced Civil War or Confederate collection.

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .58
Ammunition Type: Minié Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.