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, and this example is definitely now a rifle, however this was not accomplished via the usual method. Instead of rifling the bore of the barrel, the barrel was entirely replaced with a Springfield Model 1861 style barrel with a cleanout bolster. The hammer was also replaced with a Model 1861 style hammer, which better matches the bolster on the barrel. Additionally the length was shortened by about 10 inches, making this a short rifle, often used by artillery soldiers.

Modifications such as this were very common in the CSA armories, as they had to make due with supplies on hand due to their limited industrial capacity when compared to the North. We did not find any specific state markings, but a more thorough examination may reveal additional information.

In spite of the long service, the rifle is still marked with an "American Eagle" over US, and the lock plate tail is clearly marked SPRING / FIELD / 1848. 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. We checked the lock action, and it holds correctly at half cock, releasing at full. It has been fitted with the correct three leaf rear sight as used on the Model 1861.

Overall condition is very good, considering the age, though there definitely has been some wood filler repairs made around the barrel breech, as well as around the barrel bands. The metalwork has a lovely patina, and the stock shows some great wear from service. The rifle still has an original cleaning rod, now shortened, and both sling swivels are present, though the trigger guard swivel has been damaged and field repaired.

A very interesting example of the last smoothbore percussion musket that the United States fielded, later converted to a .58" Short rifle. Definitely some great research potential here!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1848 - Later Modified
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Minié Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 31 Inches
Overall Length: 46 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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