Original item: One Only. The U.S. Model 1822 Musket was a .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock, with a 42-inch barrel and an overall length of 58 inches. It replaced the previous model 1816 musket, and often is viewed as a further development of that design. One of the most noticeable differences in the Model 1822 is the attachment of the lower sling swivel. The forward part of the trigger bow was provided with an enlargement which was drilled to receive the sling swivel rivet. Previously, the sling swivel had been affixed to a stud in front of the trigger bow.

The Model 1822 was produced by the Springfield Armory, Harpers Ferry Armory, and numerous other contractors. It was eventually replaced by the Springfield Model 1835, which is also considered by many to be a continuation of the Model 1816. These were sometimes referred to as "Whitney Flintlocks" due to the large number made in New Haven, Connecticut by Eli Whitney.

In the 1850s, many of the Flintlock Muskets in Arsenal were converted to Percussion, which was a much more reliable and water-resistant ignition system. This involved all variants of the Model of the 1816. This helped to standardize the types of ammunition carried by the soldiers in the field. The easiest conversion type, often referred to as the “Belgian” style conversion, was to simply tap a threaded hole in the top of the breach of the barrel to permit the fitting of a percussion cone (aka “nipple”).

The outbreak of the Civil War in the United States created a large need for percussion muskets, as the number of modern firearms currently on hand was far short of what was needed. To fill this need, many muskets converted to percussion in the 1840s-1850s were pressed back into service.

This is almost certainly what happened with this musket, which was converted to percussion at arsenal some time before the Civil War. The mounting points for the frizzen and frizzen spring can still be seen, though they are plugged, and the remains of the brass powder pan are still visible on the lock plate. The hammer is a 1842 type, machine made and slightly adjusted for the different cap location.

This example is one of the many made by contractor Eli Whitney in 1834, and is marked E. WHITNEY on the lock plate, under U.S. and a crossed Arrow and Laurel Branch. The tail of the lock plate has the correct markings for this maker as well:

The 42" smooth bore barrel has suffered a lot of powder burn near the cap nipple cone, so the only marking still visible is an MS surcharge for the State of Massachusetts, where it may have been issued to.

This example is in very nice display condition, looking to have seen extensive use after it was converted to percussion. It then looks to have been put away in a closet somewhere, or maybe in an old collection, where the wood was polished regularly, but the metalwork was left alone, allowing it to mature to a lovely oxidized patina. The lock is fully functional, and holds correctly at half-cock, firing at full cock.

The stock is in very good condition, showing wear commensurate with service in the field. It does look like it may have been arsenal reconditioned when it was converted to percussion, so the original inspection cartouches are worn away. The original cleaning rod is still present along with the upper sling swivel, however the trigger guard swivel is broken off.

A very nice patinated example of an early stage in the evolution of the U.S. Musket made by the famed Eli Whitney, which saw further service by being converted to percussion. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1834 - converted later
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 57 3/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

History of the Model 1822 Musket:

The War of 1812 had revealed many weaknesses in American muskets. The Model 1812 Musket was created in an attempt to improve both the design and manufacture of the musket. The Model 1816 made further improvements, and replaced the Model 1812. The Model 1812 had borrowed heavily from the design of the French Charleville model 1777 musket, and this design was retained for the Model 1816. The Model 1816 had a 42 inch long .69 caliber smoothbore barrel, similar to the Model 1812, but had a longer lock plate, a shorter trigger guard, and a longer bayonet than the Model 1812. The Model 1816 also had a more straight lined stock. The overall length of the weapon was 58 inches.

The Model 1816 musket was originally produced at the Harpers Ferry and Springfield Arsenals between 1816 and 1844. Around 675,000 were made, more than any other flintlock in U.S. history.

The Model 1816 was originally produced as a flintlock musket. Like many flintlock muskets, many of these were later converted to percussion cap, as the percussion cap system was much more reliable and weather resistant.

This model of Springfield musket was used by Texans during the Texas Revolution and by the US Army and militia during the Mexican-American War. During this conflict, the flintlock version of the Model 1816 was preferred by U.S. regular forces, due to percussion cap supply concerns.

It was also used during the early years of the American Civil War until around 1862.

Many improvements to the Model 1816 were made, producing the Model 1822, Model 1835, Model 1840, and Model 1842. U.S. Ordnance Department referred to these as different models, but in other U.S. government documents they are referred to as a continuation of the Model 1816. Modern histories are similarly inconsistent in the nomenclature of these weapons.

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