1863 DATED MEDIUM-HUMP C.S. RICHMOND RIFLEMUSKET LOCK

Lot includes an 1863 dated, low-hump Richmond lock and triggerguard with trigger and swivel. In April 1861 Virginia troops salvaged the machinery for making the Model 1855 Rifle Musket at the Harper's Ferry Armory. Set up at the state armory in Richmond, this was offered for the use of the Confederate States in July. It produced a version of the Model 1855 that eliminated the Maynard tape priming system, but kept the same profile of the lockplate, producing early "high-hump" plates that made use of the standard service percussion caps awkward. In March 1862 the lock milling machinery was altered to lower the upper edge of the plate and a second cut was added, following the curve of the cone, to make capping easier. A) Scarce 1863 dated example of the lock with interior parts, lock screws, and washers. The plate is stamped "1863" with the correct "round serif" 6 and 3 at the rear, and C.S. Richmond, VA. forward. Probably made in early to mid-1863 since the die-strike does not show the damaged "8" occurring later in the year. CONDITION: Very Good for a Confederate arm. Surface corrosion overall but clear markings. Gray metal for the most part with brown showing corrosion. B) Triggerguard with trigger and sling swivel. CONDITION: Matching the lock and likely from the same rifle musket. Possibly an early battlefield pickup. From the Hazard Collection. SR Condition: Dimensions: