1816 Musket converted to Civil War Percussion Rifled Musket..SOLD

A good example of the 1816 Flintlock Musket, Converted to Percussion for the American Civil War.

This is clearly an old 1816 Flinter which was upgraded when the demand for arms in the American Civil War took hold some years later.  The musket shows all the remnants of the 1816 model, probably one of the US contractors who provided for the early American government.  It has the strong French influence about it, with the iron muzzle cap and bands and the brass insert to the lock face.  The cock or hammer has been replaced by the newly forged percussion piece which strikes directly upon the nipple which has been fixed directly into the barrel.  This was a far more reliable method of causing ignition which armies had come to rely upon, against the intermittent results afforded by the Flintlock design.

The lock is devoid of any markings or hints as to the maker until removed where on the inside there are a multitude of makers initials and inspectors stamping’s.  The strongest of which are the initials “T.W” which are on the major parts.  The same “T.W” is also present behind the nipple on the top visible half of the barrel.  Below that external mark there is a faint final proof “P” marking.   On the barrel tang is the date “1836”.   Apart from those markings all that has survived is the remnants of the “U” making the the “US” marking on the butt-tang.  Time, heat oxygen, H2O and blood have eroded any other clues to this fine old arms past.  What is known is that this sturdy arm, (which could probably fairly efficiently, plant a minie’ round smack bang in the middle of  a target at 200 yards) was originally present at the birth of one of the largest democracies in the world and involved in one of the bloodiest civil wars that has ever scared the face of humanity.  The 1861 model rifle is simple in design and easily manufactured and for those reasons was provided in its millions as the leading technology of the day.

A pivotal piece in any historic military gun collection it has broad three grove rifling of .54 bore.  The musket 58″ in overall length.  The barrel is 42″ long and the “pull” is 13″ to center.  Corroded iron butt-plate with tang.  Three barrel bands very much in the french style, the forward of which incorporates the front sight and has a hole through which the loading rod passes.  The tulip headed cleaning rod is full length and is turning a rich plumb brown.  The two piece trigger guard incorporates the rear sling swivel, the front is under the mid-band.  There are no cartouches visible on the stock but it is in very good condition, it has no slits or cracks, just a little staining and minor damage from usage.

SOLD

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