US War of 1812 Bartlett M-1808 Flintlock Musket .69 Cal 1812 Dated Antique
SOLD FRO: $1,125.11
WOA#: WY240323WM002
Make: Asher and Pliny Bartlett of Springfield, Massachusetts
Model: 1808 Musket
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1812
Caliber: .69 Cal
Action Type: Muzzleloader, Flintlock
Markings: The lock plate is marked with “1812”, “US”, a spread wing “American Eagle”, and “BARTLETT”. The left rear barrel is marked with a faint “P”, a faint “eagle head”, and a “V”. The bottom of the trigger plate is marked “TC”.
Barrel Length: 44.5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a shallow blade. There is no rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The wood stock has a straight grip, metal nose cap with cut out for the included ramrod, barrel band with sling loop, barrel band, trigger guard assembly mounted sling loop, and metal buttplate. The buttplate is covered in oxidation. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. The front barrel band remains loose and able to slide along the stock. There is a crack underneath the rear barrel band. The split is full and has been repaired at one time. This devalues the stock but luckily does not show because of the location of the break. There is another crack on the right side of the stock coming off of the upper rear lock-plate. There is wear along the edges of the ramrod channel. The LOP measures 12.5” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition for its age.
Type of Finish: White Steel and Patina
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bore is dark with even rust and stubborn fouling throughout. There is no visible heavy pitting present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 5/10 for the age.
Overall Condition: The finish on all of the metal parts has begun to patina. There are scuffs, scratches, and areas of oxidation throughout. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. The markings are worn from time and patina. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, with a strong lock and good spark. We did not fire this musket. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The musket comes with a piece of gunflint and the original ramrod installed.
Our Assessment: The War of 1812 has widely come to be viewed as the second American “War of Independence”. It saw impressment banished from the high seas, forced the British to finally evacuate Fort Detroit and the Old Northwest, ended British claims on the Louisiana Purchase, and ensured American control of the Mississippi due to Jackson’s stunning victory at New Orleans. Just before the War of 1812, the US government contracted with a handful of domestic gunmakers for a run of Springfield M-1795 style muskets; these have come to be known as the Model 1808. This one is marked to Bartlett of Springfield, Massachusetts and dated 1812 on the lock-plate. According to Flayderman’s Guide, Bartlett had a contract for 2,500 M-1808 muskets, and only 1,700 were ever delivered. The action of the lock functions on both positions, the musket is in the original flintlock configuration, the barrel remains full-length at 44.5″, and it has the correct proof marks. The split in the stock that separates it into two that is located behind the rear barrel band is disappointing but does not detract from its beauty and rarity. The walnut stock has a nice dark tone that matches the light gray metal perfectly. The ramrod in the channel underneath the barrel is the original that is just missing the threads on the end. The two sling swivels under the gun have not been replaced and display well. This is a great looking musket that very well could have fought the British in the War of 1812. The smooth bore has rust and fouling throughout, though there does not appear to be any heavy pitting. Given the cracks in the stock, shooting this musket would perhaps be inadvisable. All told, this is a fine example of a scarce, early US flintlock musket. Please see our photos and enjoy the auction. -K.F.
