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 clearly marked SPRING / FIELD / 1850. 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. This musket looks to have seen a lot of firing, and unfortunately powder burn around the cap bolster has eroded away all of the barrel markings.

With all iron mounts this .69 caliber musket is in very good condition, with the original "tulip" shape ramrod present, along with both barrel bands and the nose cap. The butt plate is correctly U.S. marked. It still has both sling swivels present, one on the middle barrel band and one on the front of the trigger guard. There is powder burn near the cap bolster, and the metalwork shows some deterioration in that area. The cap nipple cone looks to be original, and shows wear from oxidation and cleaning, and can still be unscrewed relatively easily. 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, though it is a bit fouled and oxidized inside.

The metalwork overall has an oxidized patina from years of cleaning, showing some past peppering and light oxidation pitting in areas, now cleaned away. This is particularly evident on the stock, which due to heat from firing loses any protective oil coating before the rest of the hardware. The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely red brown color and vanished finish. It looks to have been reconditioned, which is why it is below the level of the trigger guard and barrel tang. Really a great looking old musket that would look fantastic hanging on the wall.

A very nice example of the last smoothbore percussion musket that the United States fielded, still in the original configuration. Ready to cherish and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1850
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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