CSA Richmond Armory Rifle Musket Type II

Manufactured in 1862, this musket belonged to James M. Rosser of the 7th Virginia Regiment.

C.S./Richmond Armory Model 1862 Percussion Rifle-Musket (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition)

At the opening of the Civil War, Richmond, Virginia was home to the only foundry in the South that was capable of producing cannons. Tredegar Iron Works became the source of most Confederate armament production throughout the war. Shoulder-fired arms were also manufactured by Confederate munitions works in Richmond. This rifle was made with machinery and parts captured at the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia in April, 1861. These guns were the mainstay of Confederate-produced arms. In many respects they are duplicates of the U.S. Model 1855 Rifle-Musket, but their finish quality is somewhat rougher because Southern-manufactured arms, by necessity, did not receive the same degree of artistic attention.

- Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #73