Antique WHITNEY MASSACHUSETTS Contract Model 1812 PERC. Conversion MUSKET 1 of 400 STATE of MASSACHUSETTS MILITIA Muskets

Product Description

Antique WHITNEY MASSACHUSETTS Contract Model 1812 PERC. Conversion MUSKET 

1 of 400 STATE of MASSACHUSETTS MILITIA Muskets

Here we present an antique Whitney Massachusetts Contract Model 1812 Percussion Conversion Musket made in 1815 in New Haven, Connecticut. This is a conversion musket that started out life as a flintlock and was likely converted sometime just before the American Civil War. It was manufactured for the State of Massachusetts by the Whitney Firearms Company, the founder of which was Eli Whitney of cotton gin fame. This example is one of less that roughly 400 that were manufactured by Whitney to partially fill a contract for 1,455 arms (from various makers) for the State of Massachusetts. Federal reimbursement for these arms was delayed for many years due to Massachusetts appearing to be less than willing to participate in the War of 1812. The Model 1812 by Whitney served as the basis for the U.S. Model 1816 that would be the standard infantry musket for about the next 25 years in U.S. military service. Whitney made a total of 18,000 Model 1812 muskets spanning between 1812 and 1824.

This example has a “N.HAVEN” marked lock and bears the view mark of government inspector Luther Sage (LS) on the left stock flat and “MS” for the State of Massachusetts stamped on the barrel along with an oval “P” proof.

As mentioned above, this musket was updated to percussion, as were most of its brethren, to make them far more reliable than the flint ignition system. This musket was 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.

This process was done with many of these muskets in the years leading up to the American Civil War, but a great many were also done because of the war, when both belligerents were desperate for arms for their troops. Though this musket would have been about 38 years old at the time, it was still a great musket and much higher quality than many of the imports that would be purchased in Europe and issued stateside.

The overall condition is very good. Original patina. Strong action. The bore is good for its age. The stock is solid throughout with an expected amount of wear. The left wrist has legible cartouches. Nice leather sling.

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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$2600
#217044