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. There is an old repair forward of the lock, as shown. Weapon is stable and solid and ready for display!
