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. However, it was at some point shortened by about 11 1/2 inches, possibly to turn it into an "Artillery Short Musket" type of weapon.  In close quarters, these could be much more useful than the full length, which was harder to bring to bear on people at close range. It definitely looks like this musket saw a lot of use in service, though we don't know if this as before or after it was cut down.

The lock plate is somewhat worn and oxidized from powder burn, so the "Federal Eagle" over US marking is faint, as is the marking on the lock plate tail: HARPERS / FERRY / 1850. 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. Previous iterations had had a more pronounced side plate with a bulge in the middle. The large amount of powder burn around the cap bolster on the barrel has obliterated any markings that were present. There are traces of the original stock cartouches on the left side below the lock screws, but they are not legible at all.

With all iron mounts this .69 caliber musket is in very good condition, with the original shortened ramrod present, along with the lower barrel band and the nose cap. The sing swivel on the trigger guard is still present, but the upper swivel was removed when the middle barrel band was. The cap nipple cone looks to be a later replacement, as it definitely shows far less powder burn than anything around it. 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. The metalwork overall has a lovely polished patina from years of cleaning, showing overall past oxidation peppering, now polished away for the most part. The stock has a lovely brown color, showing the expected denting and wear from service.

A very nice example of the last smoothbore percussion musket that the United States fielded, cut down for close range use. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1850
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 46 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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