Sounds like it was a bring back
Or "War Trophy". It might be Confederate and if it is it's probably worth some big bucks. Confederate arms are in great demand because of the low survival rate. Get it appraised or try to take some photos of it and post them here.
Side note: I had an ancestor who was in the 3 NJ Volunteer Infantry. Started as an enlistee under the Presidential Proclamation of 1861 and got out as a 1st Lt. after losing a leg at First Bull Run.
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