Description
WOW–talk about a pure beautiful weapon to behold. This, without doubt, is the FINEST known example of the short production Richmond Armory rifles–the vast majority of weapons produced were the 3-banded rifled muskets. It is unknown how many were ever made, but likely limited to a few hundred.
The rifle is patterned after the US M1855 rifle as produced by Harpers Ferry Armory (which later evolved into the Fayetteville Rifle) and in late 1862, the armory in Richmond began producing a limited number for issue to infantry flankers and skirmishers. Made with a 33″ +/- barrel and chambered in .58 caliber, these little powerhouses carried the same clout as their big brothers but were slightly shorter and lighter.
This particular weapon was a centerpiece of the Paul Davies Collection in Virginia and as I recall, it published in the book he wrote. On a scale of 10 for a Confederate gun, this one is a 9+. The lock and barrel both date 1864 and mechanically it functions as new. This is truly one of the finest ones I have ever seen in 40 years of being in the trade.
Zero disappointments on this rare gem! In reality, it is far more rare than a Fayetteville Rifle.
