This 1818 dated musket represents the Virginia Manufactory’s highwater mark in both production and design. Authorized by the state in 1798, the Richmond facility produced muskets starting in 1802 that evolved through continuous changes in design cataloged by collectors as models and variations, or as types and transitions, until they reached this final form in 1818, which also represented the highpoint of production, with 5,292 muskets produced that year, just three years before production ceased in 1821. In Giles Cromwell’s typology this musket is a great example of the Second Model, Second Variation, using rounded triggerguard finials, and lower and middle band springs positioned forward of the bands, all elements of the First Variation, but using instead of an iron flash pan the new fenced brass flash pan that continued to the end of production in 1821. Moller would call it a Type-II, produced from 1812 to 1821, but with notes on the dates the rounded triggerguard finials and of the and forward-positioned lower and middle band springs (1816,) and the introduction of the brass pan (1818.)

The wood has a tight fit to the metal, good edges, and pleasing, even dark brown color overall. The stock shows just minor handling marks for the most part, but there are some small dings on the left butt flat near the buttplate, some chattering on the bottom edge, and a broad scrape on the left wrist. The edges of the lock apron are good and counterpane are good. The latter shows only minor marks. The edges along the barrel have some rounding, but no chips. The ramrod channel is good, with just some wear right above the lower band. The wood preserves a crisp “W” over “8” just below the triggerguard tang, likely a rack number.

The metal is very good- in the bright, as is correct, toning to a silver gray with scattered small, thin darker gray spots and some brown, a little light freckling on the upper band, etc., but no pitting other than some corrosion over the touch hole. The markings are crisp: 1818 date vertically to rear of the cock with RICHMOND in a curve (just a tad light on the lower letters;) and forward of the cock VIRGINIA in block letters over Manufactory in script. The barrel has a fully visible “P” at the left breech and is the full 42-inches long. Small mating numbers are visible on some parts: we see a “3” on the buttplate tang, triggerguard tang, rear swivel lug, the top of each band. All bands, springs, rod, and swivels are in place. The screws all show crisp slots with no signs of turning. The hammer screw and frizzen spring may be replacements.

This is a great looking example of a classic Virginia militia musket. [sr] [ph:L]

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