A solid honest example of the iconic Confederate infantry long arm. Very rare. The Richmond Armory served as the Confederates principal arms manufactory throughout the war. This example, made in 1863, is a real CS Richmond. The lock is stamped -C.S.- -RICHMOND, VA- and -1863.- The barrel has the -VP- and eagle head inspection and proof stamps, the barrel date is obliterated. The barrel is Richmond made, and has the correct steady-pin notch under the rear sight (see photo). The stock is Richmond manufactured and the lock mortice contains the proper mule foot without the primer feed cuts present on US 1855 stocks. The stock is in very good shape without any cracks or major dings. The barrel bands are definitely Richmond made, having the hand-stamped letter -U- being off center and set back from the edge of the band. The location of the stamped -U- is critically important when evaluating any Richmond musket or rifle. Original Richmond bands have never been available in surplus and forgers who assemble Richmonds out of parts use US M1861 bands. Real Richmond bands are RARE. The brass Richmond butt-plate is unquestionably original to the stock and has a superb undisturbed patina. The only part on the musket itself that was not made at the Richmond arsenal is the steel nose cap... which is totally acceptable as Richmond absolutely used captured parts in their factory. The rear sight was missing when found. An original US rear sight is included. The ramrod is a mystery. I have no idea where it was made or by whom. It is certainly from the guns period of use, and might be a home made replacement. It was present when this musket first hit the collector market.

The name H J HARMAN is carved into the butt stock. If we assume this is the reb soldier-s name... There are 23 Confederate soldiers surnamed Harman and having first initial H listed in the database. Two have the middle initial J. Both served in CS cavalry regiments and were not likely the owner of this gun. 8 of the H Harmans have no middle initial given. I will leave the rest of the detective work to the next owner.



Materials, Packing, and UPS Shipping on this item is $75.00. Insurance is $1.50 per hundred. UPS charges $5.25 for the signature required service. NO SHIPMENTS OUTSIDE USA.

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