Antique DOCUMENTED New Jersey Contract WICKHAM Model 1816 Conversion MUSKET Hewes & Phillips 1861 Dated Bolster Percussion Conversion

Product Description

Antique DOCUMENTED New Jersey Contract WICKHAM Model 1816 Conversion MUSKET

Hewes & Phillips 1861 Dated Bolster Percussion Conversion

Here we present an antique Wickham Model 1816 Conversion Musket manufactured circa 1826 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Marine T. Wickham and was converted to percussion likely for the New Jersey Militia by Hewes and Phillips circa 1861 and was typically used by the militia in the days of the Civil War.

Probably the most notable armorer to work at Harpers Ferry before 1816 was Wickham. Residing in Philadelphia, Wickham served as an inspector of contract arms and general troubleshooter at the national armory between 1811 and 1816. Wickham possessed great talent as a gunsmith. More important, he exhibited a rare ability to manage men effectively while at the same time retaining their admiration and respect. Wickham decided to enter the world of private business after the War of 1812. Upon resigning his inspectorship in 1816, he took over an existing musket contract with the United States and later that year signed his first regular contract for 4,000 arms at $14 a stand. Then, on July 19, 1822, he signed a contract with the U.S. Ordinance Department for 5,000 Model 1816 muskets at $12 per stand, delivered at the rate of 2,000 per year starting on January 1, 1823. In December of 1823, he undertook an additional contract for 10,000 muskets beginning on July 1, 1824. Not surprisingly two of his largest accounts were the Harpers Ferry and Springfield Armories. Both ventures prospered and Wickham continued to garner wealth from them until his death in 1834. His rise from an obscure country workshop to a leading arms manufacturer and businessman was a truly impressive achievement.

Hewes & Phillips “New Jersey” alteration muskets are described on pages 71-74 of George D. Moller’s book American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III with this exact musket pictured on pages 71 and 72.

The overall condition is very good. Robust action. The bore is good for its age. Solid stock with less than average and a cartouche on the left wrist. “1826’ dated lock. “1861” dated barrel tang. The leather sling is in good shape. Legible markings. The bayonet is in good shape and is “US” marked. Here’s a nice musket that would have been used in the American Civil War after its conversion from flintlock to percussion.

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

Barrel is 42 inches.

Caliber: .69 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$2695
#217315