1825 DATED Antique U.S. HARPERS FERRY ARSENAL Model 1816 FLINTLOCK Musket United States Armory Produced MILITARY Longarm

Product Description

1825 DATED Antique U.S. HARPERS FERRY ARSENAL Model 1816 FLINTLOCK Musket  

United States Armory Produced MILITARY Longarm

Here we present an antique Harpers Ferry U.S. Model 1816 Flintlock Musket, manufactured at the Harpers Ferry Arsenal circa 1825. The town of Harpers Ferry is nestled into a valley at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. Originally located in Virginia, Harpers Ferry became part of the new state of West Virginia in the middle of the Civil War in 1863. The Model 1816 was manufactured at the U.S. Armory there between 1816 and 1844 with over 350,000 produced during that period. The Type I musket was manufactured between 1816 and 1822. The Type II was made between 1822 and 1836, while the Type III was made between 1836 and 1844. This model was used by Texans during the Mexican-American War. During this conflict, the flintlock version of the Model 1816 was preferred by U.S. regular forces, due to percussion cap supply concerns. This model was also used during the early years of the American Civil War.

The War of 1812 revealed many weaknesses in American muskets. In an attempt to improve both the design and manufacture of the musket, the Model 1812 musket was created. The Model 1816 made further improvements and replaced the Model 1812. The M1816 was a smoothbore, muzzle loading weapon which used a .69 caliber musket ball. It was in production at Springfield (325,000) and Harpers Ferry (350,000) between 1816 to 1844 with around 675,000 muskets produced during this run. It saw service during the Mexican-American War and was even pressed into service during the Civil War, due to the shortage of guns. In the 1850’s, many 1816’s went through the conversion from flintlock to percussion, which is not the case with this smoothbore. 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 tail of the lock is marked “HARPERS/FERRY/1825”. The top of the barrel bears the view and proof marks “P” and an Eagle’s Head. The left barrel flat is marked “S.M.Co” for the Springfield Manufacturing Company of Ludlow, Massachusetts who worked as a contractor for the national armories.

The overall condition is good. Very well performed reconversion: the area around the vent looks original and even in color and texture; the cock and frizzen spring are replacements. Even patina throughout. The action is excellent. The bore is smooth and patinated. The walnut stock shows much use: there is a chip at the rear of the lock, otherwise solid.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 42-1/8 inches.

Caliber: .69 Flintlock

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

www.ancestryguns.com

$2800
#230614