This rare rifle, of the type associated with Confederate sharpshooters, features fine floral engraving on the barrel tang, a deer on the breech plug, a decorated fish head hammer, with border and floral motifs on the lock, trigger guard, buttplate and screws. The blued round barrel is marked “WHITWORTH PATENT” on top referring to Joseph Whitworth's famous patented hexagonal rifling, and fitted with adjustable hooded blade front sight and target ladder rear sight. The barrel is absent of proofmarks. The lock, equipped with a safety catch, is inscribed "WHITWORTH Rifle Co. MANCHESTER" and with a crowned “W” trademark. Serial number "C778" inscribed on the trigger guard. Figured walnut straight hand three quarter length stock with checkered grip and forend. Whitworth rifles were highly regarded and were extremely accurate, especially when compared to a standard .577 Enfield rifle. The Whitworth is widely considered to have been the first rifle used for true sniping.