This artifact is a muzzle loading, single shot percussion musket produced in the early 19^th century and likely used by one of the New England militia units of the period. The smoothbore longarm measures a total of 55½” long with a 40” long round barrel with a large .70 caliber bore. The maple wood full stock measures 51¼” long and is secured to the barrel via three brass keys. Top of wrist shows a nail-like object imbedded within a slight oval depression in the wood that likely housed a small brass medallion. Faint traces of floral and filigree tooling visible around the oval. The upper barrel key is missing. All furniture mountings are brass which include the butt plate, triggerguard, two lockplate screw washers, ramrod tubes, and the three oval key escutcheons. Single sling swivel on triggerguard.

Stock appears to have been refinished at one time and wears a dark pleasing patina overall with just slight scuffs and dents. No patch box. Lockplate is 5” long, flush to the stock with a point on the left edge of plate and slightly raised at the right side. Plate exhibits just faint, illegible traces of the maker name in front of the hammer with a light floral motif. Mechanics are strong. The 40” long round barrel wears a pleasant, dark brown patina with some rust pitting on the overall surface. Barrel breech shows the manufacture date “1824” along with proof marks of a “raised P within an oval” plus the stampings “M” / L. H.” Musket retains its straight-shank, steel, button head ramrod with a crudely threaded tip. Bore is dusty with scattered surface pitting.

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