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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle Full View
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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle center barrel band, right side offset U
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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle center barrel band, left side offset U
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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle Lock Plate
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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle Stock
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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle 3rd Barrel Band, Split Stock
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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle Under Barrel Band, Close up Split Stock
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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle Rear Sight Mortise
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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle Forward Barrel Band
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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle Muzzle and Ram Rod
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- 1863 Richmond Long Rifle 1863 Stamp. V P inspectors stamp
Another fine example of an 1863 Richmond Long Rifle pieced together from a collection of Harpers Ferry captured parts, battlefield pick up parts and Richmond Armory parts. I purchased this Richmond from William Adams at the Gettysburg show in June of 2014. William is one of the leading experts in Civil War weapons, especially in Richmond Armory and Confederate Imports.
Like many of the Richmond’s for sale these days this one has some questionable characteristics that question its authenticity; however that’s the beauty with Richmond Armory weapons. The barrel on this weapon is not Harpers Ferry nor is it Southern made; I believe it’s a Springfield barrel with inspectors marks on it. The stock is split under the barrel band closest to the breach plug with the rear portion of the stock being either a Springfield or Whitney I’m not really sure. The end of the stock closest to the muzzle is from a Springfield rifle with the metal nose cap attached with a screw.
Some of the neat features of this weapon that any collector loves to see when it comes to Richmond rifles is the 1863 lock plate, which is in fine condition, the center barrel band has an offset U (for up) on both sides which suggests that it was hand stamped at the Richmond Armory unlike the Union counterparts that were machine stamped with almost perfect placement every time. And let’s not forget the stock that’s been pieced together under the barrel band.
If this weapon is authentic, (cause whom am I to say it is or isn’t since I’ve only owned it for a short while) it’s fair to say that is was assembled late 1863 when the Richmond Armory was struggling to supply weapons to the front lines because of a shortage of black maple to make stocks from as well as quality steel to produce barrels with.
Either way I love it, I didn’t pay as much for it as I have for others and it tells a story and yes we can debate the story but sometimes that’s half the fun.
I hope you enjoy the photos and if you have any questions about this weapon feel free to contact me.
P.S. I’m always looking to grow my collection, if you have any Richmond’s that you’d like to sell please contact: Eugene West at civilwararsenal@yahoo.com
HI ,I CAME ACROSS YOUR SITE TRYING TO FIND INFO ON MY RIFLE. AND I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT SHED SOME LIGHT ON A COUPLE OF MARKINGS I NOTICED. THE RIFLE HAS A HUMP ON THE TOP WITH RICHMOND VA ON LOCK, AND 1862. THE BARREL IS MARKED 1864 WITH VP OVER EAGLE. BUT NEXT TO IT ON THE SMALL FLAT AREA IS AN A WITH A STAR. WHILE TRYING TO FIND SOME REFERENCE I HAPPENED UPON YOUR SITE. THE BUTT STOCK IS BRASS WITH US THE RIFLE HAS MOST OF THE LEATHER SLING WITH A NAME CSG AND 5TH USI .I GUESS EITHER A UNION SOLDIER PICKED UP THE RIFLE OR A CONFEDERATE SOLDIER PICKED UP A SLING. BUT I DONT KNOW WHAT THE A AND THE LITTLE STAR MEANS. NOT SURE IF I WANT TO SELL THE RIFLE. I ALSO HAVE A CIVIL WAR CANNON US 24 LB CYRUE AND ALGER 24 LB HOWITZER AM MOVING TO A GATED COMMUNITY CANT TAKE THE CANNON. IT IS IRON. PLEASE EMAIL IF YOU HAVE ANY INDICATION WHAT THE ASTAR IS . THANKYOU ALBERT BOSCO
How much did the Richmond rifle cost and how much does it sell for today?
I have an 1863 type 3 rifle/musket that I may be interested in selling. It is in good condition and authentic according to local gun dealers; Bobs Guns in Chesterfield County and Dominion Sports in Fishersville.
Luther
To the author of this article I was given an 1863 Richmond rifle many years ago and I knew nothing about them I dug it out my closet couple of weeks ago what you have described in your article I think I have something very special just could not figure this out because it looks like it was piece together please contact me so we can talk on what I might have thanks . Sincerely
Pete
Pete,
Seems as though you have a post war cut down 1863 Richmond Rifle. Unfortunately the only value is in the lock plate, the stock has been cut at some time and I believe the barrel to be cut as well. Richmond’s came with 3 size barrels…..25”, 33” and 40” . So if it’s not any of those sizes the barrel has been cut which absolutely hurts it’s value……it’s all about condition, there are many in poor condition but very few in very good condition.
If you have any other questions, email me your phone number and I can answer any other questions you have.
Kind Regards, Gene