This is an extremely rare example of a Confederate Model 1855 pattern rifle that was manufactured at the former Armory at Fayetteville, North Carolina. The Fayetteville rifles were manufactured using parts and machinery captured from the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. This is the standard late production "Type IV" rifle that had a total production of only about 5,000. The Type IV rifles feature a low profile lock plate, brass buttplate, trigger guard, barrel bands and forearm cap. The Type IV rifles lack the brass patch box and sword bayonet lug found on earlier Fayetteville rifles, however were made to accept a socket bayonet with the front sight acting as the lug. The lock plate is dated "1864" behind the hammer and marked with an eagle over "C.S.A." followed by "FAYETTEVILLE" ahead of the hammer. The barrel is dated "1864" parallel to the bore just ahead of the tang and the left side barrel flat is stamped with "V / P / Eagle head" proof and inspection marks. The buttplate tang is stamped "CSA" ahead on the top screw. The right side of the barrel bands have the standard "U" marking. The stock is oil finished walnut and is absent of any inspector cartouches. There is a sling swivel mounted on the forward barrel band and on the front of the trigger guard. Complete with a socket bayonet. The armory manufactured a total of 8,000 to 9,000 of all 5 types of this rifle from 1862 to 1865. The Fayetteville rifle was a high quality weapon that represented an improvement upon the Model 1855 Harpers Ferry rifle on which it was based.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a dark brown patina with some moderate flash pitting on the breech end of the barrel, bolster and upper lock between the hammer and bolster. The brass components have a dark aged patina. The stock is also very good with some wood absent in the area of the rear barrel band and overall scattered minor dents, dings and scratches, and some minor cracks along the grain at the butt. The bayonet is fair with moderate to heavy pitting and it has been shortened, probably during the time of usage, and doesn't fit properly on the barrel. The markings are all clearly legible. The ramrod and rear sight are both missing. The action is fine. A solid example of the best longarm made by the Confederates. This particular example is a new discovery and is fresh to the collector's market!