Composite Richmond Type III Three Band Rifle Musket
Item #: AA3420
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This is a composite Richmond Type III Rifle Musket manufactured at the Richmond Armory in 1862. The total number of these weapons produced is unknown, but they were made in larger quantities than any other Confederate long arm manufactured during the Civil War. The weapon has an overall length of 56 1/4", with a barrel length of 40". The barrel had the National Armory Bright finish, and now has a dull steel gray patina. The exterior of the barrel is smooth, having very little to no pitting. The bore is beginning to turn dark, and shows either light patches of rust or dirt scattered throughout the barrel. There is still has some visible rifling left, but at the muzzle the bore gauges out at .62 caliber. The bolster still has a clean out screw present. That fact, combined with the rear sight missing, makes me think this is a Model 1861 Springfield barrel, as there is no stabilizer cut for the sight. There is no date on the barrel or tang, but the V P eagle head are very faint on the left barrel flat. The front sight is the standard block sight that double as a bayonet lug on the barrel. The ramrod for this musket is missing in action. The three iron barrel bands are retained by springs, with the forward retaining spring missing. All three bands are stamped with the letter U, and are slightly offset from the springs. The bands and springs match the barrel patina quite well. Both sling swivels are still reporting for duty. The lock plate is stamped 1862 behind the hammer and CS/RICHMOND VA. is stamped forward of the hammer. The CS and Richmond VA stamps are still very legible. The lock plate has a patina matching the rest of the iron parts of the gun. The mechanics of this "low hump" Richmond function perfectly. The hammer holds in half and full cock, and the mechanics are very strong and crisp. The butt plate is iron with a patina matching the rest of the gun and is not stamped on the tang. The nose cap is iron as well and has a black patina. The nose cap is held in place by a screw. The walnut stock is in good condition, but has been near a fire at some point in time. The left side of the stock, from about 2" forward of the rear barrel band all the way to the nose cap, has a black, charred appearance. The right side of the stock has only been effected to about 1" past the front barrel band. The stock is still very stable, but has definitely been exposed to a fire. There are no cartouches on the left flat opposite the lock plate. The barrel and ramrod channels have nice crisp edges, maybe a little extra crispy in some spots! The medium brown stock has a great look to it in spite of the fire damage. The stock bears none of the recognized Confederate arsenal stamps for weapons that were repaired, usually found on the belly of the stock forward of the trigger guard. There is a letter Z on the left side of the stock, but I don't believe it's an arsenal stamp. The gun has not been disassembled for inspection, but I believe this is a Model 1861 Springfield stock and barrel with a low hump Richmond lock. I have no way of knowing when this was done and am listing this item priced accordingly.
Shipping Weight:
9 lbs
Item # AA3420
(Sold)
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