Product Description
RIFLED & SIGHTED Antique U.S. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY M1840 Conversion MUSKET
CIVIL WAR Musket Used by Both CONFEDERATE & UNION
Here we present an antique Rifled and Sighted Springfield Armory U.S. Model 1840 Percussion Conversion Musket, manufactured circa 1842 in Springfield, Massachusetts. This .69 caliber musket originally would have had a flintlock firing system and a 42-inch barrel before being converted to percussion, possibly before it ever left the factory. More than 30,000 were produced by the Springfield Armory and two independent contractors, D. Nippes and L. Pomeroy, between 1840 and 1846.
The Model 1840 was not dramatically different from the older Model 1835. The Model 1840 featured a longer bayonet with a clasp and a stock with a comb. The designers of the Model 1840 anticipated that the musket would eventually be rifled and made the barrel heavier than the earlier Model 1835 accordingly. The Model 1840 was the last flintlock musket produced at Springfield Armory. Many were converted to percussion lock before they made it to the field. Although produced as a smoothbore musket, most of the Model 1840s had their barrels rifled later, as the designers had anticipated.
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 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 lock is marked “SPRING/FIELD/1842” and has the Federal Eagle stamp.
The overall condition is good. Dark patina throughout. The action is excellent. The bore is dark with visible rifling. The stock shows use and is solid throughout. There are two good cartouches on the left stock flat in addition to other inspection markings throughout.
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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$2300
#244288