Rare example of a Confederate Model 1855 pattern rifle manufactured at the former federal armory at Fayetteville, North Carolina, c.1864. The Fayetteville Rifles were manufactured using machinery captured from the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry and were a simplified version of the U.S. Model 1855 Rifle. This late production 'Type IV' rifle has the characteristic low profile lock plate with brass buttplate, trigger guard, barrel bands and forearm cap. The rifle has the standard, three-leaf, Model 1855 pattern, rear sight and straight-shank iron ramrod with tulip head. The lock plate is dated "1864" behind the hammer and roll-stamped in front of the hammer with the Federal eagle and shield motif above "C.S.A." followed by "FAYETTEVILLE". The top of the barrel is dated "1864" parallel to the bore 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 upper and lower barrel bands are stamped with the standard "U" marking. The black walnut stock has an inspection mark that consists of the script initials "JB" with an oval border stamped on the left flat. The Fayetteville Rifle was a high quality weapon that was manufactured in quantity. Nearly 5000 Type IV rifles were manufactured by the Fayetteville Armory in 1864.

Good. The rifle appears to be mostly original. The condition is typical of Confederate made weapons which inevitably were issued and show the effects of hard service. The bright finished barrel has a dark patina above the stock line. The barrel has scattered age discoloration with moderate-heavy flash pitting surrounding the nipple bolster. The barrel date and inspection marks remain clear. The lock plate has a silver-gray patina and the hammer and bolster are dark. The lock plate, hammer and bolster all show the flash pitting typical of a rifle that saw service. The date, Federal eagle and armory markings are clear. The bolster clean-out screw is a replacement. The brass forearm cap, barrel bands and buttplate are in good condition with an un-touched patina. The stock is in fair condition with moderate handling wear and a deep crack on the left flat between the lock screws. The inspection mark on the left flat has been improved by hand carving. This is a solid example of one of the best designed, best made and most widely issued Confederate made long arms. This important rifle would be a stand-out piece in any collection of Civil War firearms or military.