Richmond 1863 Carbine
This diminutive Richmond Carbine was custom-built by David Stavlo, and is a true copy of the muzzleloader carbines built at the Confederate arsenal in Richmond during the first half of 1863. This museum quality piece features all correct finishes and markings.
The stock was carved from straight grained American Walnut. David hand fit each component to the stock to make sure the fit was similar to what's found on original muskets that were made with precision machinery. He then continued to the stock shaping - his specialty. After studying original guns, David shaped the stock to near perfect dimensions. The butt stock gently narrows down to the wrist, which continues in a straight line before terminating in a round plateau that contains the barrel tang. The lock moldings are exactly the same size on either side of the stock and their dimensions are identical to the originals. The forestock "swells" ever so slightly before each barrel band and the the top of the the barrel channel is angled slightly just like the originals. These details are small, but these are things that separate this musket from a cobbled-together skirmish gun. The stock was burnished like the originals before being finished with linseed oil. There are no inspector's cartouches on the left counterpane; just like the originals.
The lock was custom made for this project. The lock plate was machined from 4140 arsenal-grade steel and bone charcoal color case hardened just like the originals. The lock stamps were made from rubbings taken off and original Richmond; and are perfect copies. The hammer, and all the lock internals are original. The barrel was made by Dan Whitacre. David extensively re-profiled the breech flats and bolster of the barrel to be the correct dimensions of originals before mounting a M1858 richmond rear sight. The barrel was then stamped with an "1863" date to match the lock and a correct Richmond "VP and Eagle" was also applied to the breech.
The barrel bands, band springs, and trigger assembly are original pieces that were restored back to "armory bright" finish; while the brass buttplate and nosecap were made from castings.
The finished piece is a work of art. We consider it to be as close a copy of an original Richmond as possible. The dimensions of both the metal and wood components are near perfect. And the fit and finish is simply excellent.