NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACT RIFLED AND SIGHTED 1831 DATED SPRINGFIELD M1816 H&P CONVERSION: FOR NEW JERSEY REGIMENTS GOING INTO FEDERAL SERVICE

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Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 490-3799

New Jersey began altering its flintlock muskets in limited quantities starting in 1856, following the general trend of bringing older arms still in good condition up to par with the 1855 series of percussion, rifled arms. A January 1861 inventory showed 7,446 flintlock muskets still in state hands. After the war broke out the state authorized the immediate alteration of them all on May 10, “for the several regiments that were raised from New Jersey for federal service” (Moller V.2 p.71.)

Cone-in-barrel conversions to percussion had proven unsafe in some arms from the higher pressures generated by rifled arms firing the Minie ball. The New Jersey Quartermaster General thought the safer “chambered breech” conversion, although more expensive, produced a, “sightly, reliable and durable arm,” and the state contracted with two firms, Hewes and Phillips, and Field and Horton, to do the work, which involved cutting the barrel at the breech and installing a screw-in percussion breech with an integral tang. (It is unclear if the rifling was done by the contractor or at the state arsenal.)

This is a good example of the alteration by Hewes and Phillips, who did the lion’s share of the work: some 7,000 guns by Moller’s estimate. Their H&P stamp appears on the top of the barrel at the breech, which also shows the old sunken P cartouche, lying on its side, from the musket’s original proof forward of the that (with the other inspection markings and breech date gone with the old breech,) the company’s 1861 date of alteration to its rear, and the “NJ” ownership mark on the left flat, just a bit rubbed on the “J” and top of the “N.” The musket itself is a Springfield-made US Model 1816, Type-III. The lockplate is smooth metal, with a very clear Springfield eagle over US forward of the hammer crisp markings at the rear of the plate reading, “SPRING/ FIELD / 1831.” Production for the year was 16,200.

As is correct, the external flintlock elements have been removed from the lock plate and their screws ground flush. Moller notes two slightly different bolster shapes in the H&P alterations. This appears to use the “Type-II” bolster, which was more angular and cut some of the lock plate, doing away with any remnants of the pan. As is correct with the NJ state contract alteration by Hewes and Phillips the bolster has a clean-out screw. The wood shows the original inspection mark on the side flat along with the classification mark as a 2nd class, applied when inspecting the older muskets for possible conversion.

The metal is smooth overall, with a thin caramel tone to the lock and much of the barrel, though with some rubs exposing gray metal. Bands and springs are all in place. The barrel is full length with bayonet stud in place on top of the muzzle and front sight on the barrel band. The long-range rear sight base is present, but missing the sight leaves. The ramrod has the correct cup head for the Minie ball. The lower swivel is present, but has a bend; the upper swivel has been broken off and is missing. The wood has handling dings and bumps, but shows nice color The ramrod channel shows dings and wear spots from drawing and returning it, indicating the gun has seen some field use. Markings in the metal are clear, including various sub-inspection initials. There is a visible small cartouche in the wood on the underside to the rear of the triggerguard tang. The initial inspection mark on the left side flat is visible though not legible. The larger classification mark clearly shows the “2” indicating second class. Mechanics function as expected; clean bore with good rifling.

This is good looking rifled-musket showing one of the many attempts by both federal and state authorities to update their weapons. It is also the specific result of the pressing need to get adequate arms into the hands of the large number of volunteers in the first two years of the war, and independent action by the state of New Jersey. Even after the .58 caliber rifle muskets had become the predominant issue infantry weapon these .69 caliber rifled muskets were still on the books and being considered for issue once more, as evidenced by the production of Model 1864 cartridge boxes for .69 caliber elongated rounds. This also has a very tight New Jersey connection for Civil War collectors concentrating on that state.  [sr][ph:L]

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!

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