An estimated 8,000 to 9,000 rifles, with approximately 5,000 of them being the Type IV, were manufactured by the Fayetteville Armory of Fayetteville, North Carolina during the Civil War between 1862-1865, according to "Flayderman's Guide" (9th Edition, 10-035.5). The Fayetteville rifles were copies of the U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1855 rifle manufactured with machinery captured from the U.S. arsenals at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, and Fayetteville, North Carolina. Features a blade front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug, three-leaf rear sight (absent bottom leaf), iron ramrod with tulip head, brass fittings including the forend cap, barrel bands, trigger guard and buttplate. The lock plate is "1864" dated at the tail, and marked ahead of the hammer with faint remnants of an eagle and shield motif above "C.S.A." followed by "FAYETTEVILLE". "V/P/(eagle head)" proofs stamped on the upper left breech of the barrel, with an illegible date marking on top of the breech. Two oval bordered script inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock flat. The top of the buttplate is stamped "CSA". Includes a period Confederate type sling made of folded and sewn cotton with leather keepers and an iron wire hook. The consignor indicated they purchased this rifle from Dave Taylor on October 29, 2020. Provenance: Dave Taylor; Private Collection

Very good as Confederate issued, with scattered mild pitting concentrated mostly on the lock and breech, and partly legible markings. Brass exhibits an attractive golden aged patina. Stock is also very good with defined edges, scattered light dents and scratches, an absent section directly above the lock, a few cracks visible on and above the left flat, and visible cartouches (very tough to find on one of these!). Mechanically excellent. Sling is very good.