Model 1816 U.S. Flintlock Musket……………..SOLD

A good Contract example of The Model 1816 Second Type U.S Musket by A.Waters, Jr

A.Waters, Junior produced these arms from c.1817-36 in Millbury, Massachusetts, during which time they completed around 10,000 of these weapons.  Second type because of the tilted (forward) detachable brass flash-pan and the lock markings.  The musket measures 58″ in overall length.  The round barrel is 42″ long and the item is fully stocked in American Black Walnut.  Built mainly in the French style these American arms are quickly distinguishable from their British opposite number at a glance by the French-type for-end band.  The second type also has a lower comb than the first or early type.

All fittings are in iron and all metal parts are finished in the bright or browned.  This musket is displaying an absolute evenness of pitting over all parts which suggests there are no later additions.  The lock-plate , also pitted, is flat with a beveled edge and is marked as follows behind hammer;- “A.WATERS  /  1821” with an American Eagle motif over “U.S.”  Externally the detachable brass flash pan, frizzen and cock all function perfectly .  There is a flint and leather in place in the jaw of the cocking piece.

Other markings easily apparent on the musket is the “US” marked horizontally on the tang of the iron butt-plate and the barrel and tang marking, still very easily read on the back end of the upper barrel.  Despite the quite heavy scars of corrosion are the following;- “MLM, Eagles head motif and P.  ” There is the suggestion of an early cartouche on the back-face of the stock but, only the surround is legible. The trigger guard carries the rear sling swivel.  What appears to be the original ram-rod is still in position under the stock.   The front sling swivel is mounted on the mid-band.  All the bands are retained by springs let into the stock.

The stock on this 1816 musket appears to be in good order, but without completely stripping it is impossible to tell if the heavy dirty finish which has built up over time hides any problems.  There appear to be no splits or shakes and no sign of worm.  If one were to strip it the originality of the piece would immediately be compromised causing an immediate devaluation of the musket – best left alone.

An original and honest Model 1816 US musket in good condition for its age, made more desirable by the numbers in existence on this side of the pond.

SOLD

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