Item:
ONSV7344

Original U.S. Civil War Era Springfield Model 1842 Percussion Musket by Springfield Armory dated 1844

Item Description

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. It is marked with an "American Eagle" over US, and the lock plate tail is faintly marked [SPRI]NG / [FI]ELD / 1844. Many of these muskets were produced under contract, however this example was made at Springfield Armory 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 nocks form still has faint V / P / Eagle's Head proof marks visible, however powder burn has worn away the tang date.

All iron mounts this .69 caliber musket is in good condition, with the original ramrod present, along with both barrel bands and the nose cap It still has the trigger guard sling swivel, but the upper barrel band is missing the swivel. Having seen use it is speckled with old pits near the cap bolster, but is still in fine condition and really good for display. The cap nipple is definitely worn down but not crushed, and the lock still functions correctly, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full.

Almost certainly this musket saw service in the U.S. Civil War, very possibly for the Confederacy. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1844
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

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