This is a really nice 2nd Model Virginia Manufactory Flintlock Musket which has been converted to percussion.  It is in attic condition with smooth brown rust and the original rub on the wood.  It has one of the nicest marked lockplates I have ever seen on a conversion.  There is also a two digit assembly number stamped on the top of the middle and rear barrel bands, on the trigger guard and trigger bow and on the counterpane.  The action works fine and is nice and crisp.  The forearm was period cut flush with the middle barrel band.  The ramrod is original and correct for the period and I am including a front barrel band, which would suffice if anyone wanted to restore it. 

This gun does not have the typical braised on bolster which is associated with the Virginia Manufactory Conversions.  The State of Virginia was late in getting started on converting these guns and didn't even begin until 1861.  Most were contracted out and have various styles of braised on bolsters.  This gun was converted in the Belgian style, which was adopted by U. S. Ordnance.  All the U. S. arsenals had tools, jigs and conversion hammers to accomplish this conversion.  A tool inserted to the breech of the barrel, when struck, bulges the portion of the barrel where the nipple will be drilled upward.  Then a jig is used to drill and thread the nipple hole in its precise location.  An arsenal made conversion hammer, which has a deep step-back, is utilized to finish the conversion.  You will notice in the photography that the hammer has a U. S. sub-inspector mark on the left side.  I strongly suspect that this gun was converted at the Richmond Arsenal utilizing tools, jigs and hammers which were recovered from Harper's Ferry. 

NEW INFORMATION!  After a lengthy phone conversation with a fellow enthusiast who was kind enough to call,  it is apparent that my supposition that this gun was a Confederate conversion was correct but it was not done at the Richmond Arsenal.  This alteration was accomplished by Barrett & Company of Wytheville, Virginia under contract.  Chapter six, beginning on page 83 of Confederate Rifles & Muskets by Murphy & Madaus covers this Confederate alteration in detail.  Plate numbers four, five and six, beginning on page 91 show photographs of an altered musket, which is identical to this one.  The two digit numbers I describe above pertain to the original manufacture of the gun at the Virginia Manufactory.  While this gun does use an original arsenal conversion hammer, Barrett had his own two digit sub-assembly number which was applied during the alteration.  This number is found on the back of the hammer, the inside of the lock plate and is also stamped in the wood beneath the lock.  Further, if you would consult Chapter XX, page 225 of Confederate Carbines and Musketoons by Murphy, you will see examples and read fairly extensive information pertaining to the shortening of Virginia Manufactory muskets which have had damage to their forward portions.  The forward barrel band I have provided may be unnecessary because the gun may very well be in its original Confederate configuration.  Click on image for additional views.   SOLD!!