Description
Very few of the artillery musketoon / rifles were produced at the Confederate Armory in Richmond, Virginia as compared to the 3-band rifled muskets. Existing records show approximately 600 short barrel weapons with rifle length barrels of 33” were produced from 1860-1865. This particular weapon features a US marked buttplate, a crude cast brass nosecap, a ramrod channel milled for a straight ramrod, “pinched” front sight and offset “U” barrel band alignment stamps.
The ramrod, which appears to be original to the weapon, was likely from a US Model 1855 Harpers Ferry rifled musket but shortened for use with the musketoon/rifle. There is an old crack behind the lock area as shown but the weapon stock is very solid. There is a partial name and initials carved in the stock opposite the lock plate but not quite legible enough to make out.
This is a very honest example of a relatively rare Confederate primary weapon produced at the Richmond Armory. This example is said to be published in the Davies book on Richmond weapons but unfortunately I do not have a copy–I loaned it to a friend; you know the story….
It was also in the Davies Collection and was purchased at the auction many years ago.
