Springfield Armory US Model 1816 .69 Cal 42″ Flintlock Musket 1827 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2400
LSB#: 220404DW020
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1816, US Flintlock Musket
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1827, Antique
Caliber: .69 Caliber
Action Type: Flintlock Muzzle-Loaded Musket
Markings: The lock is marked “SPRING / FIELD / 1827” behind the hammer and the Great Seal of the United States (an eagle) above “US”. The breech is marked “U / C” adjacent to “70” on the top and the left side is marked “P” above an eagle’s head and “V”. The top tang is marked “1827”. The side-plate is marked “S” and there is a cartouche right behind the side-plate, the top of the butt-plate is marked “US” and “45”. The left side of the butt is marked “45 / SC”. The trigger guard is marked “EA” at the front and “B” at the rear end. The belly is marked “R.WOOD” and has a struck out cartouche.
Barrel Length: 42”
Sights/ Optics: There is a brass blade fixed to the nose cap.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The wood stock features a metal nose-cap, a slot in the forend for the included ramrod, two barrel bands (the front barrel band has a fixed sling swivel), a lock opposite the side-plate, a straight wrist, a sling swivel fixed to the front of the trigger guard, a straight comb and metal butt-plate. The sling swivel fixed to the front barrel band is broken on the left side, but it remains serviceable. The stock has some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is a box shaped patch repair on the right side of the butt, a small gap on the right side of the stock where it meets the butt-plate and there is a light nick above the lock-plate. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13.5” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. The butt-plate has some light handling wear and scattered patches of light surface oxidation. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition for an Antique.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling.
Overall Condition: The musket has no metal finish. The gun has some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, the brass pan on the lock is heavily tarnished and coated in verdigris. Also, there are scattered patches of light surface oxidation including some light pitting surrounding the flash hole and muzzle. The markings remain clear. The screwheads have light tool-marks but they remain serviceable. Overall, the musket is in Fine condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this musket. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: There is a ramrod included with the musket.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Model 1816 Flintlock Musket was manufactured between 1816-1840. Over 325,000 of these muskets were made at Springfield Armory and 350,000 were produced by Harpers Ferry in addition to a number worked on by subcontractors. The gun saw extensive use prior to the Civil War with the musket employed during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). While a large number of these muskets had been converted to the percussion ignition system prior to the Mexican War, US forces preferred the flintlock due in part to percussion cap shortages. A large number of flintlock variants of the Model 1816 were stored in Southern Arsenals when the Civil War broke out and at the outset of the conflict many unfortunate Confederate soldiers had to enter battle with the aged flintlocks.
This is a Type II Model 1816 made at Springfield Armory in 1827 (ca. 1822-1831) and it retains its original flintlock ignition system. The gun is beautifully preserved with a fully functional action and it remains aesthetically pleasing. It is an important early U.S. martial arm that saw use in some of the most important conflicts America was ever engaged in. This is a great option for historical firearms collectors. Good luck on your bid!