The Hall Model 1819 was the first breechloading rifle accepted and used in significant numbers by any military. Just under 20,000 were produced between 1817 and 1840. The innovative Hall rifles and carbines were also the first firearm to have completely interchangeable parts. This Hall breech loading rifle was manufactured as a flintlock at the Harpers Ferry Armory in 1832 as part of the second production period with the front of the breechblock marked: "J.H. HALL/H. FERRY/U.S/1832" in four lines. It was likely converted near the beginning of the Civil War and put to use during the early stages of the conflict as both the North and South rushed men into action. Many Hall rifles and carbines were in arsenals in the South at the start of the Civil War and were converted to percussion and issued to Confederate units. The rifle has the unique Hall breechblock mechanism that pivots upward for loading and distinctive trigger guard with grip extension. The barrel, barrel bands, receiver, trigger guard, and buttplate have a brown lacquer finish. The breechblock and lock are casehardened, and the iron button head ramrod is bright. The black walnut stock has an oil finish. The fixed blade and notch sights are offset to the left because of the position of the action.

Fine as arsenal converted to percussion. The rifle retains 70% of the original brown lacquer with some thinned areas. The breechblock has Arsenal refurbished case colors, spotting, and some light pitting. The wood is fine with some chips, dings, and scrapes. The action is excellent. This is a fine example of a U.S. primary issue firearm Arsenal converted for use in subsequent wars.