Details
Very Good U.S. Model 1842 Percussion .69 caliber Rifled Musket by Springfield Armory. The 1842’s were the first percussion firearms made by the U.S. armories and the last of the smoothbores. 172,000 of these smoothbores were manufactured & only 14,182 were later rifled by Springfield & Harpers Ferry Armories in late 1850’s. Of those just under 10,000 had the long range rear sight installed. This firearm was one of the 4,363 rifled but not fitted with the long range sight. The .69 caliber rifled barrel shot a 600 plus grain Minnie ball and has been documented at being present at majority of the larger engagements in the east. It has 42” barrel with a very good rifled bore having even light surface oxidation. Crisp markings throughout, lockplate stamped with “Eagle” over “US” with SPRING/FIELD/1844 stamped vertically behind hammer. Rear tang also stamped with “1844”. Left rear barrel stamped with proof marks “V” & “P” as well as “Eagles head”. US marked on buttplate. Metal surfaces are in the white being lightly cleaned with scattered specks of fine pinprick pitting & oxidation staining. Walnut stock rates fine having been lightly cleaned as well having some small indentations in the right wrist, stock still has sharp edges remaining. Sling swivels present with what looks to be original trumpet shaped ramrod & socket bayonet. Bayonet has been cleaned & is in the white with visible U.S. marking on bayonet & a thin crack in the muzzle ring at the mortise. The lock remains crisp & mechanically functional. Very good 1842 Springfield rifled musket that would make a nice addition to any collection.
