Here is another typical Richmond Arsenal product.  The famed Richmond rifle-musket was configured on the US Model 1855 rifle-musket featuring a walnut stock, iron mountings, brass buttplate and brass nosecap, iron ramrod with tulip head, casehardened lock, and bright finish.  The basis for the rifles made and assembled at the Richmond Arsenal were parts and machinery captured from Harpers Ferry Armory in 1861.  Since the parts and machinery were for the Model 1855, the Confederate arms makers in Richmond simply continued with that format.  As the war continued, salvaged battlefield ordnance were re-used as replacement parts and a number of Richmonds were assembled with substitute parts.  This weapon is a Richmond arsenal product using a Model 1855 barrel and stock with Richmond parts for the front band, buttplate, lockplate, and ramrod.  It is obvious that the parts were assembled before the weapon was put into action.  The rear sight is missing and there is evidence of use in the stock and pitting around the hammer and nipple from firing.  The soldier who carried this weapon carved his initials in the stock and the gun bears the scars and wear of his patriotism.  Good gun, good provenance.