This untouched uncleaned musketoon/carbine was found within the last year in the Valley of Virginia. It started life as a Model 1842 musket with a 42-inch round barrel, but to meet the demands for firearms required by the Confederacy for both Cavalry and Artillery it was official shortened at an armory or by a government paid gunsmith. Paul Davies writes in his wonderful book C.S. ARMORY RICHMOND. "The lack of rifle musket stocks and a corresponding shortage of cavalry weapons provided an impetus to utilize any existing stocks in the production of carbines. Thus 1842 musket stocks that had a defect in the easily damaged muzzle end were shortened and made into musketoons...". These cut or truncated weapons were officially referred to as "Razee Carbines" by the Confederate authorities in their correspondence.

The lock is marked "Springfield" and dated "1848". The is barrel 31-inches long and smooth bore and is dated "1847". The overall length of the weapon is 47 inches. The original period threaded ramrod is in place. Of the 3 bands once on the musket when it left Springfield in 1848 two remain: the rear and the front. The rear sits in its original position while the front "double-band" has been shifted to just about where the middle band was, a band spring was then inserted by the gunsmith to secure this double-band. The walnut stock has a beautiful surface. Carved on the flat of the stock opposite the lock are initials, "T.P.C". At the rear of the iron trigger guard is the 1/4-inch-high letter "O" which this compiler feels is the stamp of a Confederate "C & R" armorer as of yet unidentified.

Two very important observations: 1) The ramrod once shortened to fit this arm was "threaded" to work a ball or wad extractor; and the treading job is absolutely armory/gunsmith done at the time. 2) When the arm was in use it was arsenal bright, but it has subsequently turned an age brown. Logically if you shift the front double-band and the rear band forward the surfaces not exposed to the elements since the Civil War should be bright; exactly what they are (see photos). Only the rear sling swivel was left by the armorer to facilitate attachment of the over-the-shoulder carbine sling. And upon examination one can clearly see where the metal clasp/hook from this device was rubbing the belly of the stock. The muzzle was of course up and the butt in a stationary boot. The metal surfaces are great with only minor pitting from honest firing can be seen on the top of the barrel near the bolster.

The importance of a buck and ball arm to a Confederate trooper cannot be overstated especially in the first two years of the war when their style was to charge right up to their enemy on horseback. Only later in the conflict with the overwhelming number of deadly Yankee rifled repeaters and breech-loaders was this tactic doomed. A pretty cool arm in great condition and very gently priced. [pe] [ph:L]

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