This weapon was produced by the government arsenal at Harper’s Ferry from 1803-1807 and again from 1814-1820. This example was made in 1818.

Rifle is .54 and has a 36.00 inch long part octagonal, part round barrel with a bead type front sight and an open rear sight. Running beneath the barrel is a rib that holds two ramrod ferrules. The barrel, barrel rib and ferrules were finished brown and much of the original finish remains. Breech area has strong “US” in an oval followed by an eagle head over the letter “P.” Very little pitting is visible on the barrel but the sides toward the breech do show vice marks. Barrel tang screw is slightly buggered. Bore is very dirty, rifling is almost gone. Ramrod is steel with a brass tip.

Lock has beveled edge with a rounded front and a pointed rear. Iron flashpan has fence at rear. Small spreadwinged eagle with “US” on shield on chest stamped forward of the hammer. Behind hammer is “HARPER’S FERRY 1818.” All markings are strong. Frizzen and hammer operate but hammer does not hold half or full cock. Hammer is a replacement and appears to be from a Common rifle.

Walnut half stock has brass triggerguard, buttplate and lock escutcheon. Right side of butt has rather large brass patchbox while the left has a small cheek rest. Wood is in good condition with minor dings and dents from age, use and storage. Wood has NOT been cleaned. There are several small visible cracks and a chip at the base of the barrel tang. There is a closed crack running from the upper escutcheon screw forward to the barrel for a total of approx. 0.50 an inch. The other crack runs from the bottom of the escutcheon to the triggerguard where it turns 90 degrees and runs forward for approx. 2.50 inches. Both of these described cracks a small and closed.

The 1803 rifle is best known as the issue weapon for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.   [ad]

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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!