Virginia Manufactory of Arms Model 1795 1808 Percussion Musket

Many flintlock arms were converted to percussion ignition and re-issued to soldiers on both sides.

The Virginia Manufactory of Arms was unique as the only state-operated armory in the early days of the Republic. It ceased operation in 1821, but its buildings were used by the Confederate States of America to manufacture rifles using captured equipment from the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Many older Virginia Manufactory firearms, including this specimen, were converted to percussion ignition and saw service with Confederate troops during the Civil War. For additional information on the Virginia Manufactory of Arms refer to Giles Cromwell's book of the same title.