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 rifle is fitted with a three-leaf Model 1855 pattern rear sight and a correct straight-shank iron ramrod with tulip head. These rifles lack the brass patch box and sword bayonet lug found on earlier Fayetteville Rifles. 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 top of the barrel is dated "1864" at the breech, (partially obscured by pitting), and the left side of the barrel 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 front and left side of the rear barrel bands have the standard "U" marking. Mounted with an oil finished walnut full stock, with a clear boxed inspection cartouche on the left flat. The Fayetteville Rifle was a high quality weapon that represented an improvement upon the Model 1855 Harpers Ferry Rifle on which it was based.