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, called the "Model 1816 Type II". 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, the "Model 1816 Type III". These were sometimes referred to as "Whitney Flintlocks" due to the large number made in New Haven, Connecticut by Eli Whitney. There were even some subdivisions within the model numbers, with the Model 1828 being the last iteration of the 1822 before the 1835. Most model 1822 muskets were produced during the National Armory Brown period (c1822-1832), and had the barrel and furniture finished with brown lacquer.

Original flintlock configuration Model 1822 muskets are relatively rare, as most were altered to percussion during the 1840s-50s as part of a movement to standardize ammunition throughout the country. It originally would have also been coated with a a brown lacquer on the barrel and stock, however cleaning over the years has mostly removed this from the metalwork, while there looks to still be a good amount on the stock, though it is definitely worn and checked in places.

This lovely example was contractor produced, as indicated by the markings on the lock plate under the pan, which are still crisp:

Marine T. Wickham was probably the most notable armorer to work at Harpers Ferry before 1816. Equally adept at forging, filing, stocking, and engraving firearms, Wickham possessed great talent as a gunsmith. More importantly, he exhibited a rare ability to manage men effectively while at the same time retaining their admiration and respect. These qualities did not go unnoticed, for in 1808 the secretary of war selected Wickham to succeed Perkin's long-time associate, Charles Williams, as master armorer at Harpers Ferry. However, after three years, he left to go out on his own, and made many guns under contract to the U.S. Government.

The musket's 42" smooth bore barrel still bears crisp inspection proofs of LS US / P on the breech end, and there is also a mostly clear 1826 date on the barrel tang. This indicates inspection by Luther Sage, who was known for inspecting "R. Johnson, Waters, Whitney, Pomeroy and Starr Muskets", however we have seen several other period examples of M.T. Wickham muskets with his markings. He was definitely active in this period, as we have had many guns from the 1820s and 1830s with his inspection markings. There is also an oval LS cartouche on the left side of the stock, which is still very strongly stamped. The left side of the barrel has an N.J stamp, indicating it was issued to the state of New Jersey.

The metalwork overall has a lovely worn patina from age and use, as well as subsequent cleaning. There is not any major oxidation, and only light powder burn around the flash pan and touch hole. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, and there is even a piece of flint held in the jaws, with a leather pad around it. The front sight is still intact, and the bayonet lug on the muzzle is present as well.

The stock is in very good shape with the usual scuffs and scratches from storage wear, but it still has a lovely color and looks great. There look to be some repaired cracks around the barrel tang, which is a very common place for the wood to crack. There are also the usual small dings and dents from service, but nothing major like structural cracks. Both sling swivels are present and move, and the tulip-head ramrod is present as well.

A lovely example of an early stage in the evolution of the U.S. Military Musket, never converted to percussion like so many others were. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1826
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

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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