This Confederate percussion rifle was manufactured by Dickson, Nelson & Co. at their Dawson, Georgia factory as a close copy of the U.S. Model 1841 "Mississippi" percussion rifle. 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 the delivery of 645 rifles is all that can be documented (according to "Confederate Rifles & Muskets" book), with total production of all types estimated at 3,600. This example is marked "DICKSON/NELSON & CO./C.S." on the lock at center and "ALA./1865" at the tail of the lock. The barrel, lock, screws, and sling swivels are all iron, and the remaining components are all brass. The walnut stock has a straight comb and slightly off center buttplate. This exact rifle is pictured on page 185 of the book, "Confederate Rifles & Muskets" by John M. Murphy and Howard Michael Madaus (it has since had some restoration performed, reference condition statement). More information on these rifles and other examples pictured can be found on pages 178-186 of the aforementioned book. 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, when compared with the North, given the South's significantly smaller industrial base and lack of necessary labor during the Civil War. These Dickson, Nelson & Co. rifles are considered among the best quality of all the Confederate made weapons with a superior fit and finish unlike the typically hastily assembled Confederate weapons of the time. Includes a period original sling. Provenance: John M. Murphy collection, a Gentleman

Very good for a Confederate issued arm, with an artificially applied brown lacquer on the barrel with some mild flash pitting at the breech, and smooth mottled brown patina on the lock with crisp markings. Brass retains its attractive golden aged patina. Stock is also very good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with scattered light scratches and dents, various small cracks and discreetly repaired chips, spliced replacement left stock flat, spliced replacement flat around the lock, and an overall nice figure. Mechanically fine. Included sling is very good with some light age related wear and cracking. Dickson, Nelson & Co. rifles such as this one are very hard to find in any condition and are highly sought after by Civil War and Confederate collectors.