The Whitworth rifle was designed by Sir Joseph Whitworth as a replacement for the Enfield Pattern 1853 but was never adopted because it was far more expensive than a regular rifled-musket. The Whitworth was capable of much higher accuracy than other rifles of the period and could even be expected to hit a target area fairly consistently at over a mile based on testing. Due to this incredible accuracy, they were used by some Confederate sharpshooters during the American Civil War and by British marksmen in competition. Confederate sharpshooters are believed to have even taken shots at Lincoln with Whitworth rifles while near Washington, D.C., and are known to have taken out multiple Union officers. Their incredibly high cost compared to other guns of the period and the Union blockade, however, prevented very many from getting into Confederate hands. This rifle features the distinctive hexagonal rifling used on Whitworth rifles and known to produce incredible accuracy, a beaded blade front sight, three barrel bands, adjustable notch and ladder rear sight, "WHITWORTH PATENT" on top of the barrel, British proofs and "841" on the left at the breech, engraved border on the tang and other components, "crown/W" and "WHITWORTH" marked lock with a sliding safety. The stock has an attractive straight grain and coarse checkering between the rear barrel band and lock and on the wrist. Includes partial leather sling and grease in the patch box. Provenance: Firearms for Freedom Collection

Fine, retaining 40% plus original blue finish on the barrel with some thinning and some light pitting near the breech block. The breech retains 30% original case colors with some light pitting near the barrel. The lock, hammer, and patch box retain patterns of case colors with a smooth grey patina covering most of the surfaces. Wood is also fine with light scattered dings and scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically fine.