A RICHMOND ARMORY "RAZEE CARBINE"

A RICHMOND ARMORY

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$2,950.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-731

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

It started life as a Model 1842 musket with a 42-inch round barrel, but to meet the demands for firearms required by the Confederacy for both Cavalry and Artillery it was official shortened at an armory or by a government employed gunsmith. Paul Davies writes in his wonderful book C.S. ARMORY RICHMOND. "The lack of rifle musket stocks and a corresponding shortage of cavalry weapons provided an impetus to utilize any existing stocks in the production of carbines. Thus 1842 musket stocks that had a defect in the easily damaged muzzle end were shortened and made into musketoons...". These cut or truncated weapons were officially referred to as "Razee Carbines" by the Confederate authorities in their correspondence.

This started life at Harper's Ferry, Va. in 1846 as a smooth bore full length musket. Shortly after the opening months of the war, it made its way to the CS Richmond Armory where its barrel was cut down to the officially mandated 24 inches and the distinctive "Richmond pinched front sight" was brazed on. The middle band with its sling swivel was moved back and held fast with a spring while the rear band was left unmolested. As well as the sling swivel being left on the trigger guard a sling swivel, now missing, was screwed into the butt stock. The ramrod was shortened accordingly. The total length of this cavalry carbine is 39 1/2 inches. The stock is in fine condition with the expected signs of real field use. There is a sliver of wood out on the right side of the barrel tang that does not affect the gun's appearance.  All metal surfaces have a smooth gray/brown patina with little or no pitting. The lock plate is stamped " HARPERS FERRY 1845" with an eagle over "US". The barrel tang is dated "1845" and the barrel clearly shows the "VP" and eagle. Also, an inspector's initials over "P".

The importance of a buck and ball arm to a Confederate trooper cannot be overstated especially in the first two years of the war when their "cavalier" style was to charge right up to their enemy on horseback. Only later in the conflict with the overwhelming number of deadly Yankee rifled repeaters and breech-loaders was this tactic doomed. Documented examples of these "Razee Carbines" have come off the Gettysburg's East Cavalry Field. A pretty cool arm in great condition.  [pe] [ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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