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Harper’s Ferry Model 1855 U.S. Percussion Rifle Type II, Dated 1860

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Between 1857-1861 the Harper’s Ferry Armory manufactured approximately 7300 percussion rifles, with early production rifles (Type I) fitted with brass mounted hardware and later production rifles (Type II) fitted with iron mounted hardware.

For the sake of convenience I will only discuss the later all iron, Type II model. Sometime in mid 1859 the Armory changed over to all iron mountings manufacturing about 3800 of these rifles. They were .58 caliber, single shot muzzleloader, 33”barrels with lug on right side of muzzle for a saber bayonet.

All metal parts were finished bright, tulip type ramrod with swell at point of engagement of nose cap, walnut stocks and patch box on right side. All were fitted with Maynard tape primer compartments and M1858 pattern rear sight.

The 1855 Percussion Rifle was to be issued to Sappers and Miners (Engineer’s) in replacement for the dated smoothbore M1847 Sappers & Miners carbine that wasn’t well liked.

1860 Harper’s Ferry Rifle & Saber Bayonet
1860 Harper’s Ferry Rifle & Saber Bayonet

This 1860 Harper’s Ferry Rifle is a fine example of a Type II Model 1855 Percussion Rifle. The stock is in almost perfect condition, it may have been lightly sanded a long time ago however it still has crisp corners on the contours around the lock plate. The metal looks as if it could’ve been made yesterday with barely a blemish on any of its surfaces.

Tucked away in the patch box is an extra nipple as well as a minie ball puller attachment. The breech of the barrel is stamped with rack number 64 and dated 1861, leading me to believe this was manufactured early 1861 since the lockplate is dated 1860.

Harper’s Ferry Saber Bayonet & Scabbard
Harper’s Ferry Saber Bayonet & Scabbard

Also included with my newest relic is a Harper’s Ferry saber bayonet and scabbard which is nearly as clean as the rifle itself. So there you have it another addition to the Civil War Arsenals growing Museum. If you have any questions about this weapon or any of the other relics in my collection please contact me at civilwararsenal@yahoo.com attn: Gene West

1864 Richmond Carbine

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A while back I acquired this 1864 Richmond Carbine to compliment my growing collection of Southern Weapons. I already had in my collection a 64 Richmond Carbine however it had some issues so I traded it and a 63 Richmond Carbine for a killer Thomas, Griswold & Co Artillery Saber, which I’ve recently written about.

My new 64 Richmond is about as good as it gets, the stock is in great shape with a couple of scratches and dings but nothing out of the ordinary for a 155 year old weapon. The barrel, lock plate, barrel bands and trigger guard all have a pleasing brown hue to them and the brass butt plate and the nose cap are a sweet mustard color we would expect from Southern made Brass.

Still fitted with its original rear sight (which is often missing on most Richmond weapons) with both its barrel bands having an offset U, confirming that these were hand stamped and original to the Carbine. The original ram rod is no longer present however it does have a blacksmith made ram rod which in my opinion has been with the Carbine for a long time based on its color.

All of its sling mounts have been removed, my best guess is the the sling rings were more of a hindrance then not so they were cut off……. the top barrel band, trigger guard as well as the sling swivel that gets screwed into the base of the stock are all MIA. An interesting observation is that there’s no indentation mark on the stock or on the trigger guard (where the sling mounts make contact) suggesting that the sling mounts must have been removed when the weapon was first issued.

Another interesting observation is there is only a partial proof mark on the barrel, the V for viewed is clearly present and there’s a very slight impression of the P for proof but there’s no Eagle present. I don’t believe this to be a confiscated condemned Harper’s Ferry barrel…….it has way to many imperfections on the barrel made by the barrel roller machine, these imperfections would not be acceptable by Harper’s Ferry standards, however they would be by Richmond’s Armory standards.

There you have it another Southern Carbine brought to you by the Civil War Arsenal. If you have any questions about this weapon or any of the other weapons in my arsenal feel free to contact me at civilwararsenal@yahoo.com attn: Gene West.