Original item: One Only. The US Model 1840 Muskets was a .69 caliber musket manufactured and used in the United States during the 19th Century. The design is a continuation of the Model 1816 line of muskets but is generally referred to by its own model number rather than just a variant of the Model 1816. They are sometimes referred to as Model 1835/40s, as they represented very minor improvements from the 1835, unlike the Model 1842, which was produced in percussion. All of these muskets were 58 inches long, with a barrel around 42 inches in length.

This particular musket was produced under contract, which meant that often they would continue to produce the earlier models after a new one was introduced. It was made by government contractor LEMUEL POMEROY of Pittsfield, Mass, one of 7,000 ordered by the Federal Government as M1840 FLINTLOCK MUSKETS. These were to be delivered at a rate of 1,000 a year between 1840 and 1846. Partway through the contract in approximately mid 1844 it was decided that the remainder of the contract should be constructed as percussion muskets, which is also when Springfield armory itself changed production to the Model 1842. It should also be noted that only two contractors were contracted to make Model Flintlock 1840 muskets, Pomeroy and The Daniel Nippes Company of Mill Creek, PA.

We have heard these Model 1840s were destined for use in Virginia, which later became part of the Confederacy. Later, during the Civil War Era, these model 1840 Flintlock muskets were converted to percussion rifled muskets in Tennessee and George, utilizing a distinctive style of bolster, as seen on this musket. For further information please see Confederate Rifles & Muskets by Dr. John M. Murphy, MD, and Howard Michael Madaus. It looks like after the conversion this rifle saw extensive use, which has worn the barrel to smoothbore, measuring about .70". We can however definitely still see the mounting points for the frizzen and spring, so this was definitely originally a flintlock.

The lock plate on this example is quite worn, so the American Spread Eagle in the center is quite faint. Below this is L. POM[EROY], with more than half completely worn away. The 1844 / U.S. on the lock plate tail is still crisp, as is the 1843 date on the tang of the barrel. The top of the barrel is marked with JCB over an Oval P proof, for Ordnance Sub-Inspector Joseph C. Bragg, seen on many other examples by Pomeroy. The rifle side plate is thin and not bulged, as typical of the Model 1842 Musket. Previous iterations had had a more pronounced side plate with a bulge in the middle.

All of the Springfield muskets were themselves evolutions of the model 1816, and many Model 1835, 1840, and 1842 muskets were later rifled, as this one has been. In particular, the Model 1840 and Model 1842 were produced with an intentionally thicker barrel than necessary, with the assumption that they would likely be rifled later, so they required less work. We checked the bore, and this example does not show any rifling, but due to the amount of wear, we believe that it was completely worn away.

The musket is in very nice display condition, with a lovely color and patina on the wood and metalwork due to decades of cleaning. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock, and firing at full. Both sling swivels were removed at some point, and the original ramrod is no longer present. The stock looks to have been worn down over the years, removing any cartouches it may have had. There is however no major structural damage.

Certainly used in the U.S. Civil War, this is a very nice example with a very interesting history. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1843 - Converted later
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 57 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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