This percussion rifle was manufactured by Dickson, Nelson & Co. at their Macon or Dawson, Georgia factory. In 1861, William Dickson, Owen O. Nelson, and Dr. Lewis H. Sadler started the Shakanoosa Arms Co. in Dickson, Alabama. The company received a contract from the State of Alabama for 5,000 Mississippi rifles (Model 1841), and only 645 rifles were delivered. These Confederate rifles were a close copy of the U.S. Model 1841 "Mississippi" percussion rifle and are considered to be among the best, if not the best, Confederate made percussion rifles. This "Type II" rifle matches those seen in CONFEDERATE RIFLES & MUSKETS by Murphy and Madaus and has a 33-inch round barrel with a block mounted front sight and fixed notch rear sight. The walnut stock is secured by two brass round screw-fastened barrel bands with a brass forend cap and buttplate. Sling swivels are mounted on the brass trigger guard and front barrel band. The barrel is marked "ALA 1864" just above the left flat near the breech. The lock plate is stamped "ALA./1864" vertically behind the hammer and "DICKSON/NELSON & CO./C.S." horizontally ahead. The rifle has a straight shank iron ramrod with cone-shaped head. The Dickson, Nelson rifle has been often referred to as "The Holy Grail" of Confederate Arms. These rifles were manufactured in very limited numbers and relatively few known survivors exist today. One other known survivor is currently housed in the Smithsonian Museum.

Fair. The bright barrel has mild pitting especially near the breech along with minor scratches, spotting and a few small patches of oxidation. The action has a dark brown patina with light pitting. The trigger has oxidation and its guard is chipped on the right side. The brass components have an aged patina with some scratches and marks. The stock is fair with several cracks and chips, some repairs, various dings and scratches and a loose buttplate. The action requires some attention but will function. These Dickson, Nelson, & Co. rifles are very hard to find in any condition. Most of these rare rifles are found dated "1865" with "1864" dated example especially rare.