Product Description
PA STATE MILITIA Antique MARINE WICKHAM Model 1816 FLINTLOCK MUSKET Contract
Smoothbore Made in 1820 with BAYONET
Here we present an antique Wickham U.S. Model 1816 Musket manufactured in 1820 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Marine T. Wickham, and was typically used by the state militias in the early to mid-1800s. This one belonged to the Pennsylvania State Militia as the barrel is marked “COND G. HAY IR 1ST B 4TH ID” which translated means Conditioned by George Hay Inspector 1st Brigade 4th Division. Hay was born in 1809 and passed in 1879, spending his entire life in PA. He was a cabinet maker and undertaker by trade, but he was also a Captain in the local York Rifle Company of York, PA. As you see from his mark here, he was also an inspector.
When the American Civil War erupted, Hay enlisted as a Captain on the 20th of April 1861 with the PA 2nd Infantry, which was a short-term unit mustered when a long conflict was not necessarily apparent or expected. He mustered out on the 26th of July 1861 and shortly thereafter enlisted as a Colonel in the Field & Staff and commanded the PA 87th Infantry, 25th September 1861—this was a 3 year term. This was an active unit and they suffered heavy casualties during their service. Colonel Hay was discharged for disability in May of 1863 (after apparently being thrown from his horse) and returned home. While at home in York, the Confederacy captured the town during their Gettysburg Campaign, so that he and other town leaders made up an envoy to meet with CSA Brigadier General John B. Gordon to discuss terms of the town’s occupation.
The maker, “M.T. Wickham/Phila”, is marked on the lock. “US” is stamped on the top of the buttplate, with “1820” stamped on the tang. There is a cartouche that’s visible but not legible on the top of the buttstock by the tang of the buttplate. Federal & state inspection markings on the barrel.
The overall condition is good. Strong action. This example has been reconverted. Solid stock throughout. A cartouche remnant is visible on the left stock flat. Legible markings. “US” marked butt plate tang. The bayonet is in good shape. The front barrel band is an old replacement, the slight difference in the placement of the aperture on the band prevents the spring from latching, but the band fits tightly on the stock and is not very noticeable. The bayonet shows heavy weathering, dark patina, pitted throughout. A great piece of American and Pennsylvania militia history!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 42 inches.
Caliber: .69 Flintlock
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$3600
#227817