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EXQUISITE M1816 MUSKET – ORIGINAL FLINTLOCK - HARPERS FERRY, 1820

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The M1816 musket holds the distinction of being one of the most heavily produced long guns in American History for military service by the US Government.  It is also worth noting that this model of musket was the first musket with universal parts to be manufactured in US Armory and Arsenal Number 1 (Springfield) and US Armory and Arsenal Number 2 (Harpers Ferry) simultaneously, making it one of the most historic weapons in US military history.  This unique firearm is a not only a testament to the reach of the first industrial revolution and the “American System of Manufacture”, it is an extant product of the original, smaller armory at Harpers Ferry as established by George Washington – before it underwent an extensive expansion and upgrading process during the 1840’s.

Made in three iterations, this example is a highly desirable “Type I” (the original model manufactured until 1822) that was never converted to a percussion firing system during several Federal programs intended to update aging technology.  Type I’s were generally last in terms of priority to be converted due to the availability of minorly improved Type II and Type III muskets.  As such, Type I’s saw extensive service prior to the Civil War in engagements against Native Americans, the Texas Revolution, and the Mexican-American War.  Immediately prior to the Civil War, many Type I’s could be found in storage in armories across the country, namely those in the future Confederacy including Harpers Ferry.  Evidence shows that unconverted Harpers Ferry-made m1816 muskets saw a good deal of service on both sides of the conflict, but primarily with Confederate infantry during the early-war period as the fledgling centralized government struggled to meet manufacturing and equipage demands. For a time, the m1816 was ubiquitous among militia units during the antebellum period due to its high production numbers and organized militia’s secondary role in defense policy.  The model 1816 was a standard-issue US infantry weapon for nearly 30 years in its own right and subsequent percussion conversions are among the most widely used weapons of the war.

This nearly 205-year-old musket is in exceptional condition relative to many remaining early Harpers Ferry arms.  The rich stock shows signs of characteristic use but retains all proof markings and remains in original condition with no evident repairs.  One of two inspector cartouches reads “AB” for sub-inspector Adam Ruhlman, the other reads “PA 3” in 2 lines.  Three small letters are stamped at the rear of the side plate and read “V P H” in two lines.  To the rear of the trigger guard, the stock is stamped with the letters “MM” and possibly a singular “P” in two lines.

The 44” .69 caliber barrel is bright with a nice and very light patina that compliments its age.  Near the breach, the VP eagle head proof stamp is very strong, as are “I 13” in two lines and the year 1820.  Barrel bands have a light gray patina while sling swivels are fully functional.  The vent is clear and the interior of the barrel is lightly rusted as expected with no signs of pitting.

All 3 band springs are tight and fully functional. The 42” ramrod retains its complete original threading and small letters “X” and “V” can be found cut into the steel near the bell/tip.  The trigger guard, trigger, and trigger housing appear to have much of an original factory browned finish.  Trigger is stamped with a prominent “L”.  Butt plate shows signs of typical service and is marked “US”.  It is firmly affixed to the stock by two original wood screws.

The beautiful lock is in superb condition with a light patina.  The action is strong and functional, while the hammer retains the original flint and jaw leather.  The frizzen shows evidence of firing but functions as new.  A proud Federal Eagle can be clearly seen along with the accompanying letters “US” and the iconic HARPERS FERRY 1820 is stamped prominently into the rear of the plate.

A scare opportunity to own a sterling example of one of America’s most historic firearms; manufactured in one of the country’s most consequential locations.  [cm][ph:L]

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