Presented here is an artifact rarity in the collecting field today, an “in the black’ Confederate States Richmond Armory-marked ‘High Hump’ rifle musket variation in very good condition.   This M1855 Type 1 Richmond Rifle Musket is an extremely scarce weapon as it is one of the early Southern-made rifle muskets assembled at the Confederate States Richmond Armory (CSAR) with original M1855 rifle parts captured from the Federal Harper’s Ferry Armory (USAHF) in the last three months of 1861. Approximately 2,300 Type 1 rifle muskets were completed.

This Richmond Type 1 musket variation is stamped with “RICHMOND, VA” at the front of lockplate and stamped with “1861” behind the hammer. Musket shows subtle differences in the barrel and stock dimensions, the barrel finish, and the lack of usual barrel and band stampings, which were obviously completed by professional armorers at the CSAR, and not by wartime gunsmiths. This rifle musket has a consistent black patina save for the face of the two lockplate screws likely caused by the piece lying on its side for much of its existence.  Musket has much of the sharpness of the external metal and stock edges, all parts are tight fitting, no corrosion around the breech area, and distinct sharp screw heads that reflects little field use.  Another variation is the straight but shortened ramrod to fit the variant 34.5” barrel. Lockplate matches the condition and patina of the rest of the piece. The mainspring swivel connector to the tumbler is an un-drilled USAHF M1855 part, consistent with the Type 1.  All individual parts are USAHF-made. Top of hammer, barrel bands and nose cap show evidence of being painted black.

Wood stock has been shortened to fit the shortened barrel and shows a number of gouges and dings overall. Stock is sharp with tight fitting edges around the lockplate. Internal surfaces behind the plate and barrel channel are almost mint. On the flat opposite the hammer and lockplate is the clear, readable stamped cartouche of a script “SA” (Salmon Adams).  Adams was the master armorer at CSAR and his stamp validates this longarm as a true Richmond Type I Rifle Musket.

Other notable variations on this Type 1 M1855 rifle musket from the more standard CSAR Type 1 rifle muskets is the finish wears a deep plum / brown, no date or proof marks (V, P, or eagle head ) visible on the top of breech and left facet of barrel.  Barrel breech end lacks an inspector’s mark “P” or “J” but does have a small “s” and “m” and a large “C” which indicates ‘condemned. A small square base on the muzzle top acts to attach a bayonet. Barrel bands correct and show no evidence of a stamped “U”.  Iron butt plate is also not stamped which is correct for the Type 1 rifle musket.  Bore is dark and dirty.

A most remarkable, untouched ‘in the black’ Confederate States Armory Richmond High Hump Type 1 variation rifle musket available.

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