NEW JERSEY CONTRACT Antique SPRINGFIELD Model 1816 Conversion RIFLE-MUSKET HEWES & PHILLIPS “Bolster” Conversion in 1862

Product Description

NEW JERSEY CONTRACT Antique SPRINGFIELD Model 1816 Conversion RIFLE-MUSKET

HEWES & PHILLIPS “Bolster” Conversion in 1862

Here we present an antique Springfield U.S. Model 1816 Percussion Musket, manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts circa 1831 and was converted to percussion likely for the New Jersey Militia by Hewes and Phillips circa 1862. 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 M1816 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.

This was one of the best and most developed of the flintlock to percussion conversions for the Model 1816. H&P cut the old breech out of the barrel and installed a new one with an overbuilt nipple bolster, deleted the outer flintlock hardware from the lock and ground everything flush, added a percussion hammer, installed a multileaf rear sight and improved front sight post. On some, they even rifled the barrels. This one remains smoothbore.

Hewes and Phillips began their business in the manufacture of steam engines in New York City in 1845 and transferred to Newark, New Jersey, the following year. After two more moves the company was settled in its Civil War location at the foot of Orange Street, facing the Passaic River. Here the muskets were converted, and some 400 hands were employed. This exact musket is pictured and analyzed on pages 61 and 62 of “American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. III” by George Moller. A socket bayonet and leather sling are included.

The overall condition is very good. Strong action. The bore is dim and remains smooth. The stock is in fine shape with low wear. “1831” dated lock. “1862” dated barrel tang. The butt plate tang, lock, and bayonet are all marked with a “US”. “H&P” marked on the nipple bolster. Both the sling and bayonet are in good shape.

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
#217299