Virginia was unique in being the only state in the post-Revolutionary era to establish and operate an armory for the purpose of manufacturing arms for use by state troops. The Virginia Manufactory in Richmond was established in 1797, and aimed to supply the Virginia militia. From 1802 to 1821, it produced approximately 58,000 flintlock muskets, 4,000 flintlock pistols, 2,000 flintlock rifles, 10,000 sabers, and 300 cannons.
The Manufactory's first flintlock rifles, "First Model" or "Type I," were produced in 1803. These .50 caliber rifles, featured a full stock, were brass-mounted (later iron), and had a distinctive large, four-piece patchbox with a coiled snake hinge plate. Only 333 of these scarce rifles were made between 1803 and 1809.
"Second Model" or "Type II" rifles began production around 1810-1811, with completions starting in 1812. These were similar to the earlier models but were .45 caliber and featured a more conventional four-piece brass patchbox. They were also full-stock, flintlock muzzleloaders, brass-mounted, and did not accept a bayonet, aligning with the tactical doctrine of the period. Between 1812 and 1821, 1,760 of these were produced.
In addition to its own manufacturing, Virginia purchased 2,145 contract rifles between 1809 and 1819, which were similar to the Second Model. This brought the Commonwealth's total acquisition of flintlock rifles, manufactured or purchased, to 4,238 between 1803 and 1821. Research by George Moller indicates that between 1,000 and 1,500 of these rifles remained in storage in Virginia by 1860, with some later converted to percussion and used by the Confederacy during the Civil War.
This particular rifle is an excellent example of the exceedingly rare and desirable "2nd Model" Virginia Manufactory Rifle. It remain in excellent condition and features a 37.5" barrel. The bore is nominally .45 caliber with visible rifling throughout, however the last few inches of the bore are worn pretty considerably with the bore eroding to nearly .50 caliber at the muzzle.
The lock was converted to percussion at some point, but a subsequent owner converted it back to flint using correct reproduction components sourced from The Rifle Shoppe in OK. The lock functions well and holds solid on both full and half cock.
The lock plate features good markings with a crisp and legible "RICHMOND/1807" stamped at the tail and faint "VIRGINIA MANUFACTORY" markings under the pan.
The stock is is in good condition and shows a few minor cracks and chips primarily at the top of the forestock along the top "rail" of the barrel channel. These cracks are only cosmetic however, and the rifle has no structural damage through the wrist or breech. The stock measures 52.5" in overall length, and all the furniture is intact and original; including the latch for the patch box which is fully functional.
