This percussion rifle is an example of a Whitworth rifle like those used by Confederate sharpshooters during the Civil War. Only about 250 Whitworth rifles were sold to the Confederate Army. The Confederates used the rifles as sniper rifles with scopes, and the Whitworth is widely considered to have been the first rifle used for true sniping. They were reportedly accurate up to 1,800 yards or more. At 1,800 yards, the rifle was recorded with groupings less than twelve feet which was acceptable when targeting groups of soldiers and officers. At shorter distances, such as 500 yards, the Whitworth was far more accurate with tight groupings under 4 1/2 inches compared to the Enfield's more than 25 inch groups thanks to its polygonal rifling and specially fitted bullets. Union General Sedgwick fell victim to a head shot from a sniper using a Whitworth rifle on May 8, 1864. Shortly before General Sedgwick was killed, he scolded some of his men for ducking gun fire, telling them that "they couldn't hit an elephant at this distance." This rifle has an adjustable blade front sight, notch and ladder rear sight numbered to the gun, Birmingham proofs as well as "52" bore marking and the serial number "B353" on the left at the breech, "WHITWORTH PATENT" on top at the breech, the crowned "W" trademark and "WHITWORTH" markings on the lock which has a half-cock safety, some simple lined borders on the lock and furniture, plain trigger, round patch/cap box, checkered wrist and grasping section on the military rifle-musket style stock, and sling swivels on the front barrel band and tail of the trigger guard tang. It comes with a wooden case with a contemporary Whitworth Rifle Company trade label inside, a leather sling, and a bullet mold and tools for the special Whitworth bullets as well as a second modern metal case containing a variety of lead bullets.

Fine with 70% period refurbished blue finish, smooth gray and brown patina on the lock and furniture, some patches of minor oxidation/pitting, crisp markings, and general mild wear. The refinished stock is also fine and has some darker spots, crisp checkering, a faint hairline crack at the back of the lock, general minor pressure marks and scratches throughout, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good and has mild age and storage related wear.