Presented here is a correct Confederate Richmond Armory “Low Hump” rifle musket in good condition. The Richmond Rifle Musket is a scarce longarm as it is one of the early Southern-produced rifle muskets assembled at the Confederate States Armory at Richmond with original M1855 rifle parts captured from the Federal armory at Harper’s Ferry in 1861. In April of that year, Virginia State Forces under Captain Turner Ashby and his cavalry raided Harper’s Ferry and made off with the Federal armory’s most modern M1855 rifle and rifle musket tooling and milling machinery, including all the spare M1855 musket parts and dies. The equipment was relocated to Richmond and the first production run of Confederate longarms for service commenced in October 1861.

The obvious “high hump” characteristic in the M1855 lockplate was designed to support the Maynard tape primer system which the Confederates did not utilize in their production. All of the captured M1855 parts were used up in the first or early production runs.  When the original “high hump” tooling dies wore out, Richmond Armory mechanics produced new dies with a “low hump” design. This later-production longarm exhibits a number of Richmond-manufactured parts to include an unmarked brass butt plate, a hammer with no Maynard primer cutting edge, crudely checkered cuts on the hammer thumb, a cast brass nose cap, steel barrel, and the barrel bands.  The two brass parts were cleaned at some point and wear a brighter finish and have a slight copper tone.  All gunmetal on this rifle musket exhibits a dull gray finish. Two of the three iron barrel bands have the M1855 “U” stampings that do not align on the band springs, while the one near the nose does, and is a “Federal” barrel band. Also, the Southern band markings have a deeper imprint on the right vertical stem of the letter “U”.

This longarm features an 1862-dated C.S. Armory, Richmond, Virginia Low Hump lockplate that exhibits a clear two-line stamping of “C. S. / RICHMOND, VA” on the front of the lockplate under the bolster. An uneven “1862” stamping is visible behind the hammer. Lockplate bears a dull gray patina with light pinprick pitting overall. This weapon is mechanically perfect with good stops at half- and full-cock. Hammer features crude “checkering” on thumb spur, typical of Richmond production.

Musket measures 56” long overall with a 40” long Richmond-made barrel. Bore is in good condition. The three-groove rifling is still good.  Barrel includes its proper armory-made, ¼” long cut for the “steady pin” that helps secure the rear sight. Proof markings of small “V / P / eagle head” visible on the breech left facet. No date stamp is visible at breech due to surface pitting. Both sling swivels are present as is the ramrod, complete with threaded end.

The unmarked Richmond-made black walnut stock has acquired a nice patina overall. Stock enjoys just slight dings and wear. There is a shallow 1/8” wide by 1/2” long chip next to the breech plug tang and a hair line crack about 1” long running through the top lock plate screw and washer on the left flat. There is no Master Armorer’s or inspector’s cartouches, and no patch box.  Has proper lock mortice for Richmond production. Stock has an initial, “R”, carved into the left side of butt.

A rare opportunity to get an authentic 1862 Richmond musket.  [jet]

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