One of the most famous and historical Southern military units was the Savannah Republican Blues. The Republican Blues can trace its lineage back to 1808 when they were first formed. The Blues, recruited from many of the most prominent and prestigious families of Savannah, were well-trained as a militia unit. During the War of 1812, the Blues served in Florida and Georgia and were officially mustered into U.S. service in 1812. The Blues have served in every major conflict since the War of 1812 and are still active today, serving as the 118th Field Artillery of the 48th Infantry Brigade, recently serving in the Afghanistan campaign.
Prior to the Civil War, Southern states obtained arms through the federal government's state militia allotments. In 1860, the state of Georgia obtained 1,225 model 1855 muskets in its allotment according to the February 1861 Georgia adjutant general report. Of those arms, the Republican Blues received 200 of the model 1855 muskets from the state of Georgia. With the advent of hostilities, the Blues were designated as Company C of the 1st Battalion of Georgia Infantry. The Blues then joined 8 other Savannah Militia companies and formed the 1st volunteer regiment of Georgia. The regiment saw service around Savannah until May of 1864, when it left to join Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston's forces in northern Georgia.
Extremely rare gun with only 2 other examples I know of with one of those in the Atlanta History Center. The gun exhibits an overall dark patina on all metal parts with the exception of the primer door, which appears to have been cleaned or possibly replaced. Stamped on the underside of the stock forward of the Butt plate is the Republican Blues stamping and the number 29, an inventory or rack number, and with the same number stamped on the opposite side of the stock near the butt plate. Sharp markings, U.S. Springfield, and the date 1858 on the lock with a faint VP eagle on the barrel. Typical pitting around the bolster area, as shown in my photos, and the usual nicks and dings acquired while hunting Yankees. The lock action is tight and crisp and functions properly. The bore is shot out but still retains the rifling. One of the few Confederate guns that has unit association markings.

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