The .69 smooth bore original flint lock musket was manufactured by Lemuel Pomeroy of Pittsfield Massachusetts under the "Militia Act of 1808" specifically for the State of New York. This example draws influences from Eli Whitney's US Contract of 1798 and the 1795 National Armory Springfield model. Here we find the classic Pomeroy pattern lock plate with the brass "Whitney style" detachable pan, and "ending with its flat beveled point...without the usual teat at the rear". The lock is stamped only "S C" for State Contract. This same "SC" marking appears on the 42-inch barrel. Other markings on the barrel are "P" over "SJ" followed by "M" over "1811". These marks all being required on the arms made in Mass. for export to the State of New York. They all point to manufacture by Pomeroy of Massachusetts. There were several variations of lock markings used by Pomeroy from 1809 until his final deliveries in 1814 and we refer you to "United States Martial Flintlocks" by Reilly.

The musket is in very nice condition but shows considerable period use. The metal is mostly a dull bright and shows pitting only in the general area of the touchhole from multiple firings. This pitting has made the "SNY" stamp that was probably on the barrel no longer visible; however if held in the right light it may be seen as a shadow? This same "powder burn" pitting appears on the lock forward of the hammer and below the brass pan. The iron components are all original to this weapon with no replacements. The ramrod is original to this musket, but 6 inches were broken off from the rear end when found. The top jaw and screw are original to this musket. Both early style "coat hanger" sling swivels are in place. Of great significance to the War of 1812 collector is the large round inspection on the stock opposite the lock. This signifies acceptance into New York Ordinance Stores. It is the cartouche of John McLean. This reads: "V BY I.M." (Viewed by John McLean). McLean held this position from about 1800 to 1813. With his mark one can be confident that the weapon was available to the active militia of New York and likely carried in combat in the multiple battles and skirmishes they were engaged in from Queenston Heights in 1812 to Fort Erie in 1815.

This weapon has had an interesting journey. The consignor acquired this musket from Mr. Peter White of Niagara-on-the Lake in Ontario. Canada. This was in 1974. The musket was purchased in St. Davids Ontario in a farm sale. The farm dated back to the 18th century. St. Davids on the Niagara Frontier is a stone's throw from Queenston, Ontario. Owned by the consignor for a few years the weapon was sold to an American collector. In 2022 this musket was acquired by a Civil War dealer. He was told the "SC" stampings stood for South Carolina. Not convinced he sold it to another dealer who listed it on the internet as having questionable South Carolina surcharges. The consignor spotted the musket, and immediately contacted the Civil War dealer revealing to him the whole story.  A price was decided upon where the original owner willingly paid double what was being asked by the dealer for this rare musket (then being "yard saled" due to the "Gun Show Wisdom" that the "SC" surcharges were spurious rather than meaning State Contract). Offered here is a pure unmolested War of 1812 musket certainly carried by a New York infantryman and lost, probably in combat, on the Canadian side of the Niagara Frontier.  [pe] [ph:L]

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