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SPRINGFIELD 1838 DATED M1816 PERCUSSION CONVERSION MUSKET FROM THE YORK SPRINGS, PA., G.A.R. POST, WITH MILITARY RACK MARKINGS

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A good example of a classic early Civil War musket: a Model 1816 converted from flintlock to percussion in the early 1850s to bring it up to par with the new, percussion M1842 muskets. These are .69 caliber smoothbores and were widely issued to early war volunteers until more modern arms could be supplied, with many remaining in service surprisingly late in the war, particularly in the western theatre. This is complete, with all original parts, including bands, springs, ramrod, sling swivels, etc. The butt plate has not only its original US stamping but a rack number: “F / 66,” the company letter and most likely the weapon/soldier’s number.

This comes from the York Springs, PA, G.A.R. post here in Adams County:  Miller G.A.R. Post 551, Department of PA. They were obviously in a good position to acquire Gettysburg relics and we have handled a good number of tagged and untagged relics from the post over the years. The post’s holdings ended up in the hands of former Post Adjutant and Post Commander David Starry when the post disbanded sometime between 1919 and 1924, having shrunk to just seven members, with the Starry the youngest. The collection came out of the family in the 1970s through a well-known Maryland antique and Civil War dealer. This has no tag or label, so might be a Gettysburg related piece, something with a personal connection with a veteran, or a musket supplied to the post for parade, etc.

The metal shows some thin brown standing rust on the buttplate, breech of the barrel, and along some barrel edges. Otherwise the metal shows as mix of gray and thin brown. The lockplate markings are good: an eagle over U.S. forward of the hammer and Spring / field / 1838 at the rear. The barrel proofs are partially visible. The buttplate markings are good. The wood has good color with just a couple of abrasions, decent edges to the lock apron, side flat and barrel channel, but shows numerous dings, rubs, scratches and handling marks, though it does have a clearly visible oval cartouche at the rear of the side flat. We note also the initials “D S T” rather crudely carved in the right buttstock that certainly look of the period, but are not enough to narrow down a identification, though they add some character to the musket.

As is correct on this pattern, there is a front sight blade on the rear strap of the top barrel band, but no rear sight. These were intended to fire .69 Caliber “buck and ball” cartridges with a round ball and three buckshot, something effective enough at close range, and this still has the flat lug on top of the barrel near the muzzle to fix a bayonet if trouble got even closer. A little gentle cleaning of the surface rust would not injure the historical integrity of the piece.  [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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