Virginia Manufactory 2nd Model Flintlock Rifle

Approximately 1,700 2nd Model flintlock rifles were manufactured between 1812 and 1821.

Virginia was unique in being the only state in the post-Revolutionary era to establish and operate an armory for the purpose of manufacturing arms for use by state troops. The design of the 2nd Model flintlock rifle was influenced by the Harpers Ferry rifles of this period. Many of these, including this example, were assembled using lockplates that had been finished and dated prior to 1812.

Approximately 1,700 2nd Model rifles were manufactured between 1812 and 1821. Numerous finished and marked First Model lockplates were in the Manufactory's stores, and these were used in the assembly of 2nd Model Rifles. Lockplate production did not resume until 1817, and dates may not represent the actual year of manufacture. The Virginia Manufactory of Arms was closed 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 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.