The last of the .69 caliber U.S. long arms, the Model 1842 was also the first percussion arm made at the national armories and a big step forward in having fully interchangeable parts even though manufactured at both Springfield and Harpers Ferry. These muskets saw active service in the prewar army in the early west and throughout the Civil War in the hands of volunteers on both sides, with some 172,000 being made at Springfield. The total quantity of these muskets that were rifled numbered just over 14,000 units. Slightly less than 10,000 of them were fitted with a long range front and rear sight as this specimen exhibits.

This is an original Springfield Model 1842, .69 caliber, rifled bore musket with a long range rear and front sight. It has a ramrod that was altered for elongated rifled balls. The musket is in overall fine condition. The metal surfaces all have an attractive uniform lightly cleaned appearance.

Barrel surface wears a pleasing mild sheen. Proof marks “V P” over an eagle head are strongly stamped on the breech. Side facet of the barrel is strongly stamped with letter “SNY” for State of New York. The date “1851” stamped on the barrel tang and is slightly weak. Breech area near the nipple and bolster area has light pitting. The rifled front sight is present on the upper barrel band. There is a long range rear sight. Bayonet lug is present under muzzle. The bore has deep rifling in very good condition. The ramrod was altered for elongated rifled balls and has a threaded tip.

Lock has a strong spreadwinged eagle over small “US” forward of the hammer and “SPRING / FIELD / 1851” in a stacked, three-line arrangement back of the hammer. Mechanics are strong, crisp and work properly.

The wood shows an attractive color with sharp edges and a visible “SNY” on the front of the stock near the butt tang. There is also a deep “SNY” on the offside flat. There are a few small dings, dents and scuffs that are visible from normal use and storage. It has no cracks or splits visible. Both swivels are present. Buttplate is marked with clear “US”.

This is a very nice, historic, rifled and sighted, state of New York marked, Model ‘42 that would add to a US long arms collection or display very well with a crisp set of early war infantry accoutrements.   [KN] [ph:L]

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