Only an estimated 1,700 of these rifles were manufactured in Richmond around 1812-1821. Virginia was the only state in the early republic to establish their own armory for the state militia. The design of the Second Model flintlock rifle was influenced by the Harpers Ferry rifles of this period. They are among the earliest military rifles manufactured in the U.S. This example was converted to percussion using the bolster method, known to have been performed by Merrill, Thomas & Company of Baltimore, Maryland on contract with the State of Virginia; of which approximately 250-360 of these rifles were altered by them in early 1861, just at the outbreak of the Civil War with some of the rifles completed and returned right after the Confederate raid on Fort Sumter! Another known feature of the Merrill, Thomas & Company altered rifles was that the barrels were cut back slightly from their original 39 inch length, with this example measuring at 36 inches, and they then received a number stamped on the surface of the muzzle flat. Faint remnants of the number are visible on the muzzle of this example, although illegible. This example would have seen hard use in Confederate hands during the Civil War and proudly wears its scars. Various examples of Virginia Manufactory rifles and muskets are pictured on page 51 of William A. Albaugh III and Edward N. Simmons' book "Confederate Arms" in which it states, "Some were issued in their original flintlock form to Virginia volunteers at the start of the Civil War, while others were altered to percussion..." This example is dated "1817" at the tail of the lock and "RICHMOND/VIRGINIA" at the center of the lock. The underside of the lock has some small markings. It has the standard rifle sights and brass furniture including the correct Second Model patch box. Initials "DM" carved into the underside of the buttstock.

Good as Confederate issued, exhibiting signs of genuine hard use with a heavy brown patina overall, some mild flash pitting, and visible lock markings. Brass retains a pleasing dark golden aged patina. Stock is also good as re-oiled with scattered dents and scratches, cracks on either side of the forend, a crack ahead of the forward lock screw, a chipped/absent section behind the lock, an absent brass plate at the toe exposing a large chipped/absent section, and some areas of discoloration. Part of the rear brass ramrod ferrule is also absent. Mechanically fine. The patch box door latch is broken and will not remain closed. This rare example of a Virginia Manufactory musket, with palpable signs of genuine Confederate use, serves as an important historical firearm and would make a fine addition to any U.S. Martial or Civil War collection!