Product Description
Antique U.S. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Model 1816 .69 Cal. “ARTILLERY” Type Musket
Converted Flintlock to Percussion U.S. Military Weapon
Here we present an antique Springfield U.S. Model 1816 “Artillery” Musket, manufactured at the armory at Springfield, Massachusetts, circa 1821. This musket would have started out life as a smoothbore flintlock and likely converted to percussion around the start of the American Civil War. It utilizes an Enfield Pattern 1853 type hammer, suggesting that this was either converted during the Civil War or perhaps the piece was repaired with a replacement hammer during the conflict. This one has a 36” inch barrel fastened to the stock by 2 bands. These are quite rare in this configuration.
The advent of the Model 1842 Musket made the M1816 obsolete, but not unserviceable. Eventually, most made their way to storehouses and armories. Beginning in 1848, when more than 700,000 of all types of flintlock muskets were reported in storage, the most serviceable were converted to percussion ignition. Three types of alteration were performed. All alterations involved grinding the flash pan down and replacing the hammer. The “French Style” conversion added a drum and nipple to the flashhole. The “Belgian Style” involved plugging the vent hole with a weld and tapping a nipple directly into the barrel. This is the type of conversion that was only done at Harper’s Ferry and Springfield and is sometimes referred to as an “armory conversion.” The last type of conversion was used late in the renovation process, beginning about 1852, and involved adding a bolster to the breech of the barrel, so it is termed the “Bolster Style” of conversion.
The overall condition is good. Gray patina throughout. The inspection markings on the left side of the barrel are legible. The action remains strong. The bore is smooth and in good shape. The walnut stock shows much wear and weathering and remains solid.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 36 inches.
Caliber: .69 Percussion
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
$1900
#220566