Original item: Only One Available. 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.

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, updating older design firearms was both faster and more cost effective, so many Model 1816 family muskets still in service were updated to percussion rifles. Also, many muskets converted to percussion in the 1840s-1850s were pressed back into service. 

The musket was originally manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield itself in 1829, as indicated by markings on the tail of the lock plate:

SPRING
FIELD
1829

There is also a clear Federal Eagle over U.S. on the lock plate in front of the hammer, which is crisp on the excellent condition lock plate. The barrel is dated 1861 and marked H&P.

This musket was converted to percussion in 1861 by HEWES & PHILLIPS of Newark, New Jersey as one of 8,000 muskets under New Jersey State Contract in 1861. This is the Type I conversion, which has a cleanout screw on the cap lock bolster. A later contract for an additional 12,000 conversions were made in the Type II pattern, without this screw, and a different nose cap.

The mounting points for the frizzen and frizzen spring can still be seen, though they are plugged. The musket was converted by being fitted with a new breech plug and breech end, incorporating a "built-in" Percussion Cap nipple to back end of the barrel. This type of conversion resulted in almost total removal of the original brass powder pan, with just a corner visible. The leaf sight is still fully retained and functional.

The weapon is stamped N.J. on the left side of the barrel, and the top is stamped H.& P. across the breech plug seam and 1861 on the tang, confirming the time and contractor that undertook the conversion. The left side of the wood stock is marked with two oval Inspector's Cartouches, EJ and A2, and the entire weapon is in very good matured condition. There are some small dents and chips in the stock, but overall it presents beautifully.

The metalwork is very oxidized on this example, and has a lovely aged patina. The inside of the barrel is rough, with heavy oxidation across the smoothbore. The lock still holds correctly at half cock, firing at full. The hammer, lockplate, percussion cone, nipple, and barrel nocks form show heavy oxidation, with the hammer and cone faring the worst. The nipple cone is not currently clear, and the cleanout is frozen. We did check the bore, and it still shows strong three groove rifling, though there is oxidation and fouling as well. The musket retains its original ram rod as well as both sling swivels and the sling. 

The original leather sling is very worn and heavily flaking as slings from this period often do. It has likely been with the musket since its conversion in 1861, and adds a ton of character to an already stellar musket.

A fine example of an older musket converted for service during the Civil War. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1829 - converted 1861
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 58 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

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.