Original item: One of a Kind. This is a truly amazing find, just purchased at a local auction! 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 some of this machinery, the South started their own manufacturing plant at the Richmond Armory, in Richmond, Virginia, the Capital of the Confederacy. Additional tooling and machinery was sent to the the Confederate States Arsenal in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

This relatively quickly led to the introduction of the FAYETTEVILLE RIFLE, which was produced in .58 caliber from early in 1862 until the capture and destruction of the arsenal by Union forces under General W. T. Sherman on March 11, 1865.

In February, 1862, the Fayetteville Observer, in describing the beginning of arms’ manufacturing at the arsenal, reported:

A few days ago we were shown one of a number of rifles furnished at the C. S. Armory here. It is much the same in general appearance, as the U.S. rifle for some years made at Harper’s Ferry and at Springfield, Mass.; but for certain improvements, in the matter of sword bayonet, Maynard primer, and perfection of finish in all parts, it must be pronounced very superior. The back sights are set for 800 and 500 yards. Altogether, we think it the handsomest specimen of small arms, rifle or musket, we have ever seen-reflecting the greatest credit upon all concerned with its manufacture.

The first examples were manufactured using assorted M1855 lock blanks and are mounted in iron with high and medium high lockplate humps. Later examples are mounted in brass with a graceful "S" shaped hammer. Only the very early examples are known to have a patch box. The rifle was made both with and without a special bayonet lug which allowed the use of a sword bayonet.

Our example is considered a "Third Model", brass fitted with a bayonet lug, and a lock that features no hump, and a lovely "S" shaped hammer. The rifled musket has two barrel bands, and measures 49 inches overall. The lock plate is still faintly marked with the "Confederate Eagle" over C.S.A., with FAYETTEVILLE to the right. The lock plate tail is marked with an 1863 date. The font is correct and identical to other known examples. The 33 inch barrel is fitted with the correct three leaf sight, and still has the V / P / Eagle's Head markings, so it may be a captured barrel from Harpers Ferry. There is no date on the barrel, however it does not look to be very worn, so it was most likely never dated.

The stock is the correct pattern, with a lovely color and grain, showing the expected wear from use and service. It does have a repaired crack through the wrist, which looks to have been done long ago. It has an iron nose cap, while the butt plate is brass, and stamped C.S.A.. Both sling swivels are present and functional, and both barrel bands are U stamped. The correct "tulip" shaped ramrod is still present, with a slightly enlarged shank and some of the threading on the end intact.

On the left side of the butt stock is the carved name W H Byrd, which research indicates was actually a Confederate soldier during the war. Preliminary searching indicates that he was a member of Company "B", 49th North Carolina Infantry Regiment. This specific company was known to have recruited soldiers from Cleveland and Davidson counties, so there is definitely some great research potential here. The regiment as a whole took part in quite a few actions, giving this rifled musket a great history.

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, though it is a bit loose. The barrel shows 3 groove rifling, but also much fouling and oxidation. We have not made any attempts to clean the bore to preserve the history. There is not much powder burn around the bolster or nipple, so most likely the oxidation is simply from lack of cleaning.

ORIGINAL and gently wiped down to put it in the best light, this is possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity. This could be the crown jewel of your Civil War Collection. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Minié Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 33 Inches
Overall Length: 49 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.