A friend of mine has in his possession a half stocked percussion rifle which his father purchased at an auction in rural Tennessee in the early 1950's. The story that came with it was that it been found in the chimney of an old house. It has a number of unusual features.

It has a back action lock marked "A. WRIGHT & CO" and a half octogan, half round barrel 25" long. The barrel has what appears to be hexagonal Whitworth type rifling, measuring .610" across the flats. It has a rifle type half moon buttplate and an elaborately engraved brass patch box. On the opposite side, a brass inlay in the shape of a deer is marked "Adjt. W. N. Mercer, 13th Ark Regt'".
Superficial research reveals that there was a 19th Regiment of Arkansas Infantry, which fought in the Western Theatre during the Civil War.

I have some photographs which I will be glad to post with some assistance from a member who knows how.

Any information as to the identity of the owner and the maker will be appreciated.