This percussion rifle was manufactured by Dickson, Nelson & Co. at their 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), but only 645 rifles were delivered. Total production is estimated at 3,600. 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 example is marked "DICKSON/NELSON & CO/C.S." on the lock at center and "ALA/1865" on the tail of the lock. No other markings were found. The barrel, lock, screws, and sling swivels are all brown iron, and the remaining components are all brass. The walnut stock has a straight comb and slightly of center buttplate. "Confederate Rifles and Muskets" by John Murphy and Howard Madaus on pages 184-185 show a very similar example which they identify as a "Dickson, Nelson & Co. type II rifle". They go on to describe the specific specifications on page 183 which match this rifle except for their example was finished in the bright. All Confederate weapons, especially weapons actually manufactured in the heart of the Confederacy are highly sought after and rare. Confederate arms production was incredibly weak compared to the North given the South's significantly smaller industrial base and lack of necessary labor during the Civil War. These are among the best Confederate weapons and are not hastily assembled hodgepodges like many surviving Confederate weapons.

Fine and well above average condition for a Confederate weapon. The rifle's surprisingly fine condition is likely owed to the fact that it was manufactured in the final months of the war and may have seen little, if any, combat. The iron retains 40% of the original brown finish (similar to Harpers Ferry) with some areas slightly gray, and the brass has an attractive darkened aged patina. The inside of the lock remains brighter and has some fire blue on the small parts. There are some small pits, scratches, and moderate marks throughout. The wood is very fine and has various surfaces scrapes and pressure marks, fairly clean edges, and an even original oiled appearance. The lock functions fine. These Dickson, Nelson & Co. Confederate rifles are very hard to find and are highly sought after by Civil War collectors.