An original Springfield Model 1842 single shot, smoothbore, .69 caliber musket in good condition with all metal surfaces having a nice dark patina. Forward of the trigger guard the stock is stamped with a letter “F” showing that the weapon was captured by Confederate forces, cleaned at one of their arsenals and then reissued to the army in the field. In regards to the stamped “F” mark we offer the following explanation… On page 72 of his book “CAPTURED & COLLECTED: CONFEDERATE REISSUED FIREARMS” author Steven W. Knott tells us “The “F” stamp likely belongs to First Lieutenant William E. Foster, supervisor of all cleaning and repair production at the Danville Arsenal. Ordered to this assignment on July 26, 1862, he directed cleaning & repair work at the satellite facility until 1864.”

The barrel surface of this longarm has a beautiful smooth dark patina with virtually no pitting, not even at the breech. Proof marks of “V / P” and eagle head are good. Barrel date is a bit thin but clearly reads “1845.” The brass blade front sight is present mounted on the forward most strap of the front barrel band. There is no rear sight. Bayonet lug is present below the muzzle. Bore is clean with only one or two small dots of pitting.

The lock surface matches the rest of the iron furniture on the weapon. The markings include a good spread winged eagle stamped over a good, small, “US” forward of the hammer and a strong “SPRING / FIELD / 1847” in a stacked, three-line arrangement back of the hammer. Nipple is original. Action is excellent and works properly.

Black walnut stock is in very good untouched condition. Wood is dark and does exhibit a number of small dings and dents from age, use and storage. The flat opposite the lock has no inspector’s marks. The wood lines on this musket are still strong in their contours and very pleasing to the eye.

There is a crisp “US” stamped on the buttplate tang. Musket retains its original trumpet head steel ramrod with flat face and threaded tip. Both sling swivels are present. Trigger guard and barrel bands match the rest of the iron.

Screw heads on the weapon show very little wear.

A very attractive Confederate used weapon.  [ad] [ph:L]

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