These rifles are the work of English immigrant Charles Chapman of Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was the superintendent of an armory. According to Murphy and Madaus in "Confederate Rifles & Muskets" on page 99, the authors were only aware of three of these rifles. See pages 100-103 for pictures of other Chapman rifles which have the same characteristics as this one. Only a small number of these rifles were manufactured, likely less than one hundred, and the authors of the noted book suggest less than 60. The serial numbers the authors recorded are "4," "8," and "17." Norm Flayderman indicated only a handful were known in the 9th edition of his guide. These rifles are clearly based largely upon the U.S. Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifles and differ primarily in that they lack patch boxes. The rifle has a brass blade front sight set back just over an inch from the muzzle, notch rear sight set 3 inches ahead of the breech, brass furniture and trigger, "C. CHAPMAN." marked lock, "*" on the barrel at the breech, "11" on the hammer and inside of the lock, "1" on the two main lock screws and barrel tang screw, faint scratched "AI" marking on the left flat, large "JH" carving on the left side of the butt, and a steel ramrod.

Very good plus and well above average for a Confederate weapon with light gray and brown patina and some mild pitting. The brass is mostly bright and has some dents and scrapes. The stock is fine and has numerous dents, scratches, and small chips along with some minor hairline cracks. A small section of professionally replaced wood is visible on the right side of the forearm near the front barrel band. Mechanically excellent. The Chapman marking is distinct. This is an exceedingly rare and desirable rifle. It is one of only approximately a dozen extant, making it among the rarest of all Confederate firearms. The fact that it is in very good plus condition further adds to its rarity and value. It is sure to find a prominent place in any advanced collection.