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Rare Confederate Fayetteville Armory Percussion Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Rare Confederate Fayetteville Armory Percussion Rifle
This is an extremely rare example of a Confederate Model 1855 pattern rifle that was manufactured at the former Armory at Fayetteville, North Carolina. The Fayetteville Rifles were manufactured using parts and machinery captured from the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. This is the standard late production 'Type IV' Rifle that had a total production of about 5,000. The Type IV Rifles feature a low profile lock plate, brass buttplate, trigger guard, barrel bands and forearm cap. The rifle is fitted with a three-leaf Model 1855 pattern rear sight and a correct straight-shank iron ramrod with tulip head. The Type IV rifles lack the brass patch box and sword bayonet lug found on earlier Fayetteville Rifles. The lock plate is dated "1864" behind the hammer and marked with an eagle over "C.S.A." followed by "FAYETTEVILLE" ahead of the hammer. The barrel is dated "1864" parallel to the bore just ahead of the tang and the left side of the barrel is stamped with "V / P / Eagle head" proof and inspection marks. The buttplate tang is stamped "CSA" ahead on the top screw. The right side of the front and left side of the rear barrel bands have the standard "U" marking. The stock is oil finished walnut. The left stock flat has a clear boxed inspection cartouche stamped vertically at the end of the flat. The Fayetteville Rifle was a high quality weapon that represented an improvement upon the Model 1855 Harpers Ferry Rifle on which it was based.
BBL: 33 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 58 percussion
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Very good. The barrel has a brown and gray patina with heavy flash pitting on the breech end and bolster. The lock and hammer show minor sights of some light cleaning, otherwise a smooth mottled gray patina with some minor pitting. The brass components have a dark aged patina. The stock is fine overall scattered minor dents, dings and scratches, and crisp edges on the flats. With the exception of the "1864" marking, which is partially visible due to the pitting, the markings are clear. The lock is tight and functions well. A solid example of one of the best made Confederate arms.