This Type-3 M1795 Springfield longarm is a .69 caliber smoothbore, single-shot muzzleloader that was one of some 45,000 units produced between 1808 and 1814.  Musket has been altered from flint to percussion and has a Gettysburg provenance with probable Confederate use on the battlefield.   Unique to this longarm and its “cone-in-barrel” alterations are telltale characteristics that point to a Confederate conversion from flint to percussion. Typical of CS alterations and visible on this musket is the high hammer with no knurling on the spur.  Also, it bears the three small dots in line on the inside of the hammer, on the right side of barrel at the previous hole opening, and also on the stock at the top of wrist behind breech tang. Refer to “Confederate Rifles & Muskets” by John M. Murphy and Howard M. Madaus.  This type of alteration was typical of work performed by CS gunsmiths at Alabama Arms; M. A. Baker of Fayetteville, NC; A. B. Barrett & Co of Wytheville, VA;  A. G. Dabney of Lynchburg, VA.

Musket allegedly came from a small museum / business establishment near Trout Run, PA in the 1920’s, and is in very good overall condition. Specimen retains an old period paper tag glued to the right side of the stock that reads “Rebel Musket / brought from Gettysburg by / Jacob S. Lawrence / Presented by Geo. L. Brown.” Tag is handwritten in black ink and wears a coat of old varnish or sealant that has darkened the 3” long x 1½” high note. Cursory research reveals that Jacob Lawrence was a Captain in the 17^th PA Infantry and mustered out on 28 Sept 1862 at Harrisburg, PA.  The probability is that Lawrence visited the battlefield after the fighting ended and picked up this longarm.  Since only Confederate soldiers fought with such outdated muskets as this specimen, a southern infantryman who fought at Gettysburg very likely carried this musket.   George L. Brown, listed on the tag, presented the musket to the above museum sometime prior to 1960 when the museum went out of business.  No data on Brown.  Also carved on the left side of stock behind the comb are the letters “D. TUSS / R L”. Cursory research on D. Tuss revealed no data but a Confederate soldier from Davidson County, NC, David Tussey, fought with the 48^th NC Infantry. David Tussey died of disease in Oct 1862 in Virginia.

Longarm measures a total length of 59” with a 44¼” long barrel. The flat lockplate is dark brown and exhibits a mild peppery look from scattered rust pitting.  Lockplate has beveled edges and a small projecting teat at rear. Lock is stamped with “1814” at the left rear and has a U.S. in script over the eagle and the word “SPRINGFIELD” in a horizontal curve froward of the hammer.  Hammer is flat faced with a beveled edge and a high straight spur. No rear sight. Proof marks “P”, “small eagle head” and “V” are evident on left side of barrel. Barrel features a dark brown rust patina and is secured to stock via three bands retained by springs. Upper band is double-strapped. Bore is dark and dirty as expected.  Sling swivels at the triggerguard and middle band found with screws. Butt plate is stamped with “1814” on the tang. Black walnut stock in good condition and exhibits thick wrists and slight cheek recesses on left side of comb. Wood surface is dark and appears to have been varnished at one time. No cracks visible but stock does show minor dings, dents and scuffing from age and use. Button-head ramrod has no markings and or a threaded tip.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!