The Richmond rifle-musket was the quintessential Confederate longarm.  More of these were produced than any other Confederate longarm.  The weapon was modeled after the US Model 1855 and 1861 rifled-muskets.  Walnut stock, iron mountings, brass buttplate and forend cap, iron ramrod with tulip head.  The guns was finished bright with a casehardened lock.  The Richmonds were made from machinery and parts seized at Harpers Ferry Armory in 1861 and transported to Richmond.  This explains the distinctive "hump" of the lock as the forgings and dies from the Model 1855 lockplate were employed.  Throughout the war Richmond recieved a steady supply of battlefield salvage.  Usable and interchangeable parts were put back into service with new and/or repaired weapons.  When the Yankees took Richmond in 1865 many Richmond rifle parts were seized and carried off as souvenirs.  A few unscrupulous modern collectors and dealers replaced Model 1855 rifles with original Richmond lockplates to elevate the value of their Civil War arm since the locks are interchangeable.  As a result, buyers must be cautious when buying Richmonds.  This example has been thouroughly examined.  It is an authentic, original Richmond.  However, the rod and stirrup are replaced and it is possible the nosecap is a Federal replacemnent.  These may have been done during the war by the Johnny who carried the piece or even by the Richmond Arsenal.  The stock has been lightly sanded--as were many--but this doesn't detract from the piece.  This is a great Richmond rifle-musket with excellent provenance.