US Model 1812 Eli Whitney Contract N. Haven .69 Cal Flintlock Musket

SOLD FOR: $1,075.00

LSB#: LSB260622FM220

Make: Eli Whitney 

Model: US Model 1812

Serial#: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1812-1822

Caliber: .69

Action Type: Single shot, muzzleloading flintlock musket  

Barrel Length: 41 1/2″ Smoothbore

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a small tapered blade integral to the front barrel band. There is no provision for a rear sight. 

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one piece smooth walnut, three spring clip barrel bands, straight grip, straight comb, and smooth iron buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. Finish has been added over time. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is chipping and cracking around the lock and screws. There are chips at the buttplate. There is receded wood around the edges. Overall this stock is in Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Armory Bright

Finish Originality: Original  

Bore Condition: The bore is dark. There is erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This musket retains virtually none of its original metal finish. There is extensive corrosion staining and pitting throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. Some of the markings are legible, some have been obscured by pitting. Overall this musket is in Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The lock functions correctly. We did not fire this musket. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards. 

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None

Our Assessment:  Eli Whitney’s U.S. Model 1812 contract muskets occupy an important place in the development of American military arms and industrial manufacturing. On July 18, 1812, Whitney received a federal contract for 15,000 muskets at his New Haven-area armory, with the guns patterned generally after muskets he had previously supplied to the State of New York. Production continued well beyond the War of 1812, with the contract not fully completed until 1822. The Whitney contract muskets were .69-caliber smoothbores with nominal 42″ barrels, three spring-retained barrel bands, low-comb walnut stocks, iron furniture, and distinctive New Haven-marked locks. This example’s lock dimensions appear consistent with the Style II variation identified in the reference used by the cataloger.

This musket has seen extensive age and use, with virtually none of its original armory-bright appearance remaining. The metal is heavily patinated with extensive corrosion staining and pitting, while portions of the original markings have been obscured by surface deterioration. The walnut stock has received added finish and shows numerous scratches, compression dents, chipping and cracking around the lock and screws, chips at the buttplate, and areas of receded wood, but remains in Good condition as an antique. The dark .69-caliber smooth bore shows erosion and pitting throughout and rates 5/10. The flintlock functions correctly. Despite its substantial age-related wear, this remains an interesting surviving Eli Whitney contract musket from an important period in both U.S. martial-arms history and the development of American arms manufacturing. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF