Original item: One Only. The US Model 1842 Musket was a .69 caliber musket manufactured and used in the United States during the 19th Century. It was 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. All of these muskets were 58 inches long, with a barrel around 42 inches in length.

The Model 1842 was the last U.S. smoothbore musket produced. Many features that had been retrofitted into the Model 1840 were standard on the Model 1842. The Model 1842 was the first U.S. musket to be produced with a percussion lock, though most of the Model 1840 flintlocks ended up being converted to percussion locks before reaching the field. The percussion cap system was vastly superior to the flintlock, being much more reliable and much more resistant to weather.

The Models 1840 & 1842 were made with thicker barrel walls, with the intention that they could be rifled later, however this example is still in the original smoothbore configuration. However, it was at some point shortened by about 16 inches, possibly to turn it into an "Artillery Short Musket" type of weapon.  In close quarters, these could be much more useful than the full length, which was harder to bring to bear on people at close range. It definitely looks like this musket saw a lot of use in service, though we don't know if this as before or after it was cut down. We have heard that this was more commonly seen on the Confederate side than the Union side, who had much better access to supplies. If a musket suffered damage to the muzzle, it was relatively easy to shorten it and remove the damage.

The lock plate is somewhat worn and oxidized from powder burn, so the "Federal Eagle" over US marking is completely obliterated. However, the tail of the lock plate is still clearly marked SPRING / FIELD / 1845. Many of these muskets were produced under contract, however this example was made at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield itself. 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. The barrel breech area shows past oxidation and powder burn, however it still has faint original V / P / Eagle's Head markings on the left hand side. We were not able to see any inspector cartouches on the left hand side of the stock.

With all iron mounts this .69 caliber musket is in very good condition, with the original shortened ramrod present, along with the lower barrel band and the nose cap. The sling swivel on the trigger guard is still present, but the upper swivel was removed when the middle barrel band was. The cap nipple cone looks to be original, and shows extensive use, as well as damage from years of dry firing. The lock still functions correctly, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full. We checked the bore, and it is still smoothbore, and was not rifled later, as many were, however it is quite worn and oxidized. It measures about .70, so it has been worn a bit.

The metalwork overall has a lovely peppered and oxidized patina, as expected from a musket that saw long service during the Civil War, and possibly afterwards. The stock has a lovely dark brown color, showing the expected denting and wear from service. There is a crack on the right fore stock area, and when the musket was shortened, the band spring was not retained, and the nose cap is held in place with a small nail or tack.

A very nice patinated example of the last smoothbore percussion musket that the United States fielded, cut down for close range use. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1845
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 26 Inches
Overall Length: 41 1/2 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.