Antique U.S. SPRINGFIELD Model 1816 “Bolster” Conversion Percussion MUSKET Flintlock to Percussion Conversion circa 1852

Product Description

Antique U.S. SPRINGFIELD Model 1816 “Bolster” Conversion Percussion MUSKET

Flintlock to Percussion Conversion circa 1852

Here we present an antique Springfield U.S. Model 1816 Percussion Conversion Musket, manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1826. This example would have started out life as a flintlock and later converted to percussion. The M1816 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. Additionally, more than a dozen contractors also made Model 1816 Muskets during its production years, adding more than 146,000 muskets for a grand total of 821,421 Model 1816 Muskets produced. It saw service during the Mexican-American War and was even pressed into service during the Civil War in both the updated percussion and the old flintlock format.

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”, or “Cone Conversion”, 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. Strong action. The bore is in good shape for its age. Very good stock, solid with less than average handling. Cartouche remnants can be found on the left stock flat. “US” marked buttplate tang and lock. Legible markings throughout. “DP” is marked on the trigger guard. A very interesting musket updated just in time for the American Civil War!

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

Barrel is 40-3/4 inches.

Caliber: .69 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$2000
#230343