This rifle or its primary components appears to have been of U.S. manufacture at Harpers Ferry and then latter altered or assembled by Confederate forces. The Confederates captured the armory in April 1861 and moved much of the surviving parts, weapons and equipment to Richmond where they made alterations and produced new arms using the captured materials. It has the Model 1855 style 33 inch barrel with "V/P/eagle head" proofs and inspection marks on the left barrel flat and an "1859" date stamp at the breech. However, it has been rebored to 62 caliber and the saber style bayonet lug has been sheared off. It has the rare Type II Richmond lock plate with "1862" vertically behind the hammer and roll stamped "C.S./RICHMOND, VA." ahead of the bolster. It has a iron front sight, folding two leaf rear sight, bolster with cleanout screw, flat barrel bands marked "U" on the right side with the sling swivel sheared off of the front band, and Model 1855 style walnut stock with iron buttplate (marked "US" on the tang) and patch box, a faint cartouche on the left flat, and a brass forearm cap. It is complete with a correct Model 1855 tulip head ramrod that is swelled at the point of contact with the cap.

Very good as altered/assembled likely for Confederate use. The rifle has a generally smooth dark brown patina over most of the metal surfaces aside from the brass forend cap which has the appropriate aged patina. There is considerable oxidation/pitting at the breech and some small nicks and scratches scattered throughout. The wood is very good with faint cartouche, some scrapes, small dents and strike marks. The bayonet lug is absent: ground off. Mechanically fine.