I tend to agree that this is a rare picture. The reason for so few southern troops photographs was that the chemicals for the process were expensive and were more valuable for other things in the south so the southern photographer ran out early in the war. I agree that the musket is probably a "prop" gun supplied by the photographer for dramatic effect. It may not even be a "real" gun, but one made up of parts for the photographers 'prop department.'

You would think the a lieutenent would be somewhat familuar with handling a weapon, but he sure holds this one in a odd way more to display the bayonet more rather than the musket itself.