Product Description
1824 MASSACHUSETTS STATE MILITIA Model 1816 ASA WATERS Musket .69 Antique
“MS” Marked EARLY AMERICAN Militia Musket w/BAYONET
Here we present an antique Asa Waters Model 1816 Militia Conversion Musket, made in Millbury, Massachusetts in 1824. This example would have started out life as a flintlock and was converted to percussion sometime after the more reliable firing system came about. This period of United States history saw quite a small national standing army and hosts of statewide militias. These were meant for repelling foreign invasion, creating a barrier between states and the federal government, defending towns from attack and uprisings from Native Americans, slaves, and bandits, among other policing duties. Militias were sometimes longstanding, prestigious and influential organizations. At other times they were ad hoc and reactive to the given circumstances. There was a great distrust of a federally controlled militia system or a large standing army in the early days of the Republic.
This musket was contracted to be made by Asa Waters Jr., a very successful businessman in Millbury, Massachusetts, who learned gun making from his father. He and his brother established their own gun making firm. He went on to go into banking and politics. The Georgian Colonial-style mansion that he built for his wife, beginning in 1824 still stands today and has been called “the finest example of Georgian Colonial style in the country.” The materials alone took two years to gather. His contribution to the federal and state supply of Model 1816 muskets was about 36,000 over a 21-year period. This number is in contrast to the 675,000 produced at the two federal armories.
This Model 1816 flintlock musket has been converted to percussion using the Belgian Style Alteration method, more commonly known as the “Cone Type” conversion. All external lock parts were removed with the screw hole plugged, the pan ground flush with lock plate (leaving the remnants intact) and the small existing cavity in the pan filled with brass to give it a level or squared off profile along the top. The vent hole of the barrel was plugged with a nipple screwed into the threaded receptacle at the top of the barrel, set off center towards the lock side. Then, adding the distinctive arsenal, military hammer.
It was pressed into service during the Civil War in both the updated percussion and the original flintlock format, due to the shortage of guns. In the 1850’s, many 1816’s went through the conversion from flintlock to percussion. These were some of the most abundant weapons available to both sides, being in the hands of state militias, in the first days of the American Civil War. This musket is symbolic for the westward expansion of the country throughout the first half of the 19th century. The Model 1816 saw service in the Texan Revolution, including the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. After the independence of Texas, the 1816 musket was chosen as the first standard musket of the Texan army in 1839.
The barrel of this musket is marked “JM” denoting acceptance by Justin Murphy, who was a U.S. Inspector of Contract Arms, as well as a “P” proof mark. The barrel is also marked “MS” on the left side of the breech indicating Massachusetts ownership under the 1808 U.S. Militia Act. The names “J. CAVANAUGH” and “J.D. RICHARDSON” can also be found stamped throughout the stock.
The overall condition is very good. Original patina. The action is excellent. The bore is smooth and patinated. The markings are clear. The stock shows use and has two stable chips to the rear of the lock. The bayonet is in good condition.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 42 inches.
Caliber: .69 Flintlock
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$2300
#227812