3013

FINE & RARE "AS FOUND" EARLY 1862 DATED RICHMOND

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
FINE & RARE  AS FOUND  EARLY 1862 DATED RICHMOND

RIFLE MUSKET. Cal. 58. NSN. This fabulous Richmond rifle musket appears to have never been cleaned and is quite literally right out of the attic. It has a rich dark ancient iron patina that likely has not been molested since the close of the Civil War. Upon moving the barrel bands for inspection, the barrel is as bright under the bands as it was when the musket was retired after the war.
40" Round barrel is octagon for the first 2 1/2" up from the breech. Bladed front sight also acts as a bayonet lug. Breech is proofed, "V" over "P" over an eagle. The "P" proof mark is often referred to as the broken "P" as seen on original Richmond musket barrels. No date can be seen at the top of the breech which is normally seen on these muskets. Lock is correctly marked, "C.S. RICHMOND, VA" in front of the hammer and "1862" behind the hammer. Musket has an iron trigger guard, buttplate, barrel bands, nosecap, ramrod and sling swivels. All external components on this gun are of Richmond Arsenal manufacture, the only exceptions are the Harpers Ferry captured nosecap and the unsurcharged iron buttplate which are unquestionably both original to when the musket was assembled at the Richmond Armory. The ramrod is actually a cut down Model 1842 ramrod but has a completely similar patina to all other iron parts, and the musket was likely used in the period with this ramrod. The walnut stock is one of the finer made Confederate stocks to be found. It still shows "chatter" marks from milling under the rear band. CONDITION: this Richmond musket could best be described as untouched attic condition. The barrel, lock and all other iron parts have a matching dark patina. Barrel markings are light but discernible. The lock holds both full and half cock and its markings remain quite legible. The stock shows expected dents and dings but there are few fewer than commonly seen on similar muskets. (01-21068/BF). $10,000-12,000.