Original item: One of a Kind. Over the years, IMA has purchased many collections and groups of antique guns, in which case we need to take all of them, as we did in Nepal. While these collections were generally full of guns that relatively good condition, they also had some that were less complete and unfortunately would take more restoration time than we were able to give them. We kept them in storage, possibly for future products, but have now decided to offer these "As Found" antique firearms to our customers as restoration projects. These are all original and as we received them, except for cleaning the dirt and grime off the exterior.

Please note that these are still real antique guns, and are being sold in "As is" condition at a significant discount from what they would sell at if we were to fully restore them. We will do our best to photograph and describe them and know that our customers will know exactly what they are getting. Some of these, such as this example, look to have possibly been project or parts guns, and are missing a significant amount of parts. These are being sold in "Grade 2" condition, and on these ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

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 shortened example is still in the original smoothbore configuration. It was however cut down by 16 inches and sporterized, now being in well-worn condition. The lock plate is is a bit worn, but still shows a relatively clear FEDERAL EAGLE / U.S. marking under the hammer, with HARPERS / FERRY / 1850 on the lock plate tail. Many of these muskets were produced under contract, however this example was made at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry in what was then Virginia. The rifle side plate is thin and not bulged, as typical of the Model 1842 Musket. The markings on the breech end of the barrel are completely gone due to oxidation and powder burn.

Condition Notes:
- Overall condition shows significant oxidation and pitting on the metalwork.
- Overall length has been reduced by approximately 16 inches, with the stock "sporterized" and cut off just past the lower band spring.
- Lock is functional but does not hold at half cock at all.
- Lower sling swivel is missing.
- "Cleaning rod" is just a metal rod.

A cut down and sporterized Grade 2 "As Found" example of the last smoothbore percussion musket that the United States fielded. This could be the start of a great restoration project, or parts for another! Please make sure to look at all the pictures before purchasing, as ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1850
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 26 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 42 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.