Description
This is a prime example of the scarce Model 1855 Rifle as used in the Civil War and beyond. It is a textbook example of the 33″ barrel rifle as made in the form only at Harpers Ferry Arsenal in Virginia. At some point in time, the forestock was cut and removed above the lower band and the rear sight removed. This is a common practice of former Confederate infantrymen who were allowed to retain their weapons for hunting IF they were “de-militarized”–meaning the rear sight was removed, the wooden full stock cut and the bayonet lug (as applicable) was removed. The sword bayonet on the barrel has clearly been chiseled off, likely to meet that criteria. The tape primer door was also removed, but that often happened in the field as few actually used the Maynard Tape caps.
There is a very clear carved name on the underbelly of the stock of “E. Ward.” Unfortunately, there are many of them in troop rosters. The only lineage known is that the weapon was found in eastern Tennessee a few months ago. With diligence and luck, you MIGHT just get a pretty scarce Confederate weapon for less than 1/5th the normal retail price! I have seen bare barrels priced higher!
