Make: Richmond Arsenal

Model: Richmond Cavalry Carbine

Serial Number: None

Year of Manufacture: 1864

Caliber: .58 Caliber

Action Type: Single Shot Percussion Rifled Carbine

Barrel Length: 25"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is missing.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with slot for the included ramrod, brass nosecap, two spring-clip secured barrel bands with sling swivel on the front band, sling swivel on the front of the trigger guard, sling swivel in the belly, and brass buttplate. The stock has broken at the wrist and been repaired with screws. There are several scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches, some have damaged or removed portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a moderate-dark patina with scattered nicks and scratches. Overall, the stock is in about Good condition as repaired Antique.

Type of Finish: Bright

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is barely visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 3-4/10.

Overall Condition: There is fairly evenly scattered light oxidation and erosion with more notable erosion around the nipple. Some areas are still slightly bright, others have gone to patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn or slightly obscured by erosion. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a ramrod, canvas and leather sling, and a Dog River cavalry saber with sheath. The saber's guard has come free from the hilt, giving it notable play to the blade. The guard and hilt have been painted at some point. The scabbard shows a thick patina with scattered erosion. The blade shows even light oxidation and erosion with more notable erosion at the point.

Our Assessment: The Confederacy faced considerable industrial problems from the outset of the Civil War. An agreement was reached with the British so supply machines for rifle production, but Scott's Great Snake had closed and the Union blockade prevented delivery. Stonewall Jackson's victory at Harper's Ferry allowed the seizure of a large quantity of machines and parts that were sent back to Richmond to allow for rifle production. One priority was to make cavalry carbines as many Confederate cavalry units were armed with their personal hunting shotguns, frequently cut down for use on horseback. Harper's Ferry had been producing Model 1855 rifle muskets with Maynard tape primers, leading to the distinctive shape of the Richmond rifle's locks. While not equipped with a tape primer system, the locks retained the overall profile, with the hump cut down slightly to make hand priming easier.

This example of a Richmond Cavalry Carbine shows wear consistent with its age and service, but is a wonderful piece for collectors. It is estimated that 10,000 or fewer were produced before production ceased in early 1865. In addition to the carbine itself, a Dog River cavalry saber is included, just the sort which would have been carried along with this carbine by a Confederate cavalryman. This is a wonderful lot that will display well and add to a Civil War collection. Please see our photos and good luck!