3015 WYTHEVILLE, VA CONFEDERATE ALTERATION OF VIRGINIA

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,000.00 USD
Estimated at 4,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
MANUFACTORY MUSKET. Cal. 70, NSN. 57" overall, scarce Confederate 1861 national armory style "cone-in-barrel" percussion conversion from flint likely performed under State of Virginia contract by J. B. Barrett of Wytheville, Virginia. A vast majority of the Virginia manufacturing flintlocks which were converted to percussion were done by several Richmond contractors using braised bolsters, Barrett is known to have altered about 2000 flintlock arms using the Belgium-style cone-in-barrel conversion. Regardless if Barrett is the contractor or another small Virginia firm, this is fine survivor of a Confederate percussion conversion musket 1861-1862. Musket has 3 sets of soldier's initials, maybe representing 3 different soldiers who carried it. Standard configuration lock marked on tail "RICHMOND 181X", last numeral buffed off during conversion & "VIRGINIA / MANUFACTORY" forward of hammer. Matching assembly marks "22" observed externally on all 3 bands, trigger guard, rear sling boss, and side plate. See other Barrett examples described & pictured in Murphy & Madaus' "Confederate Rifles and Muskets" on pages 83-96. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of pertinent pages from Murphy & Madaus "Confederate Rifles and Muskets". CONDITION: good to very good overall condition. Smooth mottled gray/plum iron patina, pitted at breech, markings mostly discernable, though "Manufactory" is partial from buffing in conversation process, metal overall is superior for other survivors. Stock is sound, refinished, inset repairs above lock. Ramrod is original, matching patina. Musket is 100 % original & complete. Good mechanics & dark smooth dirty bore. (01-25253/JS). ANTIQUE. $4,000-5,000.