Original Item: One Only. This is a very attractive and well worn U.S. Springfield Model 1822 .69 caliber smoothbore musket, originally manufactured as a flintlock at Springfield Armory in 1829 and later altered to percussion using the standard "Belgian" or cone in barrel system. Arms of this pattern span an important period in American military history, beginning with the flintlock era and continuing in service after percussion conversion through the years surrounding the Civil War. This example retains its full 42" barrel, original ramrod, strong Springfield lock markings, visible remnants of its original flintlock configuration, and a wonderfully mottled service patina following careful cleaning and restoration.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The musket commonly called the Model 1822 is generally considered a later variation, or Type II, of the U.S. Model 1816 family. It remained a .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock with a 42" barrel and approximately 58" overall length, but incorporated a number of detail changes over earlier Model 1816 production. One of the most readily visible was the relocation of the lower sling swivel to an enlarged forward section of the trigger guard bow rather than a separate stud ahead of the guard.

Model 1816 and 1822 pattern muskets were manufactured in large numbers at the national armories at Springfield and Harpers Ferry as well as by numerous private contractors. The basic pattern remained in American service through the Mexican War era and formed a major part of the country's reserve inventory when percussion ignition became standard. Official U.S. Army references describe the Model 1822 as the Type II Model 1816, reflecting how closely the different patterns were related.

During the late 1840s and 1850s, large numbers of these older flintlock muskets were converted to the much more dependable percussion system. One of the standard U.S. methods was the so called "Belgian" or cone in barrel alteration. The obsolete flint components were removed, the old vent was closed, and a percussion cone was threaded directly into the breech area of the barrel. Hundreds of thousands of Model 1816/1822 family muskets were altered in this manner, and converted examples remained in service with both U.S. and Confederate forces during the opening years of the Civil War.

This is almost certainly what happened with this musket, which was converted to percussion at arsenal some time before the Civil War. The mounting points for the frizzen and frizzen spring can still be seen, though they are plugged, and the remains of the brass powder pan are still visible on the lock plate. The musket was originally manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield itself in 1829, as indicated by markings on the tail of the lock plate:

There is also a Federal Eagle over U.S. on the lock plate in front of the hammer, which is relatively crisp on the lock plate, in spite of the past peppery oxidation it exhibits. The 42" smooth bore barrel has a lot of powder residue erosion around the breech area, which has unfortunately removed any proof marks that were present. We checked the stock, and it also does not bear any markings.

The percussion nipple appears to be an old period component and shows substantial erosion from oxidation and powder fouling. It is presently frozen in place.

Overall, the musket is in very good display condition and has been fully cleaned and restored by our antique gunsmiths. The iron surfaces now show an attractive mottled gray and brown patina with scattered evidence of old peppered oxidation. The cleaning has stabilized and improved the presentation while leaving the extensive age and service wear plainly visible.

The lock remains mechanically active, but there is an important safety issue. Although the hammer can be positioned at both half and full cock, the lock will release from either position when the trigger is pulled. The half cock position therefore does not function as a secure safety notch. This condition is disclosed exactly as observed.

The bore shows extensive internal oxidation and old fouling. It measures approximately 0.74" at the muzzle, considerably larger than the original nominal .69 caliber, and the muzzle is both worn and somewhat deformed. The enlarged measurement is consistent with extensive wear, corrosion, and cleaning over the musket's long service life.

The stock remains in very good overall condition for a military musket approaching two centuries of age. The walnut has developed a lovely red brown color and shows abundant dents, handling wear, and other evidence of long service.

There is cracking near the lower lock screw extending toward the breech, an area frequently subjected to stress on heavily used muskets. A chunk of wood is also missing from the left side adjacent to the barrel tang. Both sides of the lock mortise show substantial wood erosion, most likely associated with long term exposure to corrosive black powder residue and moisture.

Additional wood loss is present on the left side of the fore end near the nose cap. These flaws are all fully disclosed and form part of the musket's long working history.

The original ramrod remains present beneath the barrel, an important feature on a musket of this age. Both sling swivels, however, have been removed and are no longer present.

With its clear SPRING / FIELD / 1829 lock marking, original 42" smoothbore barrel, visible evidence of its conversion from flintlock to percussion, surviving original ramrod, Federal Eagle and U.S. markings, and deeply aged service appearance, this is a particularly evocative example of an early U.S. military musket given a second life through percussion alteration. It would make an excellent addition to a collection of early Springfield Armory firearms, Civil War transitional arms, U.S. martial muskets, or a display illustrating the evolution from flintlock ignition to the percussion system used during the mid 19th century.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1829
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1822 Musket
Caliber: .69" - worn to about 0.73"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 57 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

History of the Model 1822 Musket:

The U.S. Model 1822 Musket was a .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock, with a 42-inch barrel and an overall length of 58 inches. It replaced the previous model 1816 musket, and often is viewed as a further development of that design. One of the most noticeable differences in the Model 1822 is the attachment of the lower sling swivel. The forward part of the trigger bow was provided with an enlargement which was drilled to receive the sling swivel rivet. Previously, the sling swivel had been affixed to a stud in front of the trigger bow.

The Model 1822 was produced by the Springfield Armory, Harpers Ferry Armory, and numerous other contractors. It was eventually replaced by the Springfield Model 1835, which is also considered by many to be a continuation of the Model 1816. These were sometimes referred to as "Whitney Flintlocks" due to the large number made in New Haven, Connecticut by Eli Whitney.

The War of 1812 had revealed many weaknesses in American muskets. The Model 1812 Musket was created in an attempt to improve both the design and manufacture of the musket. The Model 1816 made further improvements, and replaced the Model 1812. The Model 1812 had borrowed heavily from the design of the French Charleville model 1777 musket, and this design was retained for the Model 1816. The Model 1816 had a 42 inch long .69 caliber smoothbore barrel, similar to the Model 1812, but had a longer lock plate, a shorter trigger guard, and a longer bayonet than the Model 1812. The Model 1816 also had a more straight lined stock. The overall length of the weapon was 58 inches.

The Model 1816 musket was originally produced at the Harpers Ferry and Springfield Arsenals between 1816 and 1844. Around 675,000 were made, more than any other flintlock in U.S. history.

The Model 1816 was originally produced as a flintlock musket. Like many flintlock muskets, many of these were later converted to percussion cap, as the percussion cap system was much more reliable and weather resistant.

This model of Springfield musket was used by Texans during the Texas Revolution and by the US Army and militia during the Mexican-American War. During this conflict, the flintlock version of the Model 1816 was preferred by U.S. regular forces, due to percussion cap supply concerns.

It was also used during the early years of the American Civil War until around 1862.

Many improvements to the Model 1816 were made, producing the Model 1822, Model 1835, Model 1840, and Model 1842. U.S. Ordnance Department referred to these as different models, but in other U.S. government documents they are referred to as a continuation of the Model 1816. Modern histories are similarly inconsistent in the nomenclature of these weapons.

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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.