Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Springfield Model 1842 .69 caliber percussion musket manufactured at the United States Armory at Springfield and later altered to a three groove rifled configuration. It retains an 1853 dated lock, 1854 dated barrel, National Armory style rear ladder sight, cupped trumpet head ramrod, iron furniture, and both sling swivels.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. It is sold as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or evaluated by a professional gunsmith. The mechanical and bore observations below describe only its present condition and do not establish that it is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The U.S. Model 1842 was the final regulation smoothbore musket adopted by the United States military. It was also the first standard U.S. martial musket manufactured from the outset with a percussion ignition system. Examples saw service during the Mexican-American War, and substantial numbers remained in government inventories at the beginning of the Civil War.

The Model 1842 measures approximately 58" overall and has a barrel approximately 42" in length. Originally manufactured as a .69 caliber smoothbore, this example was subsequently rifled with the three groove pattern associated with U.S. military alterations. A rear ladder sight was also installed to take advantage of the improved range and accuracy provided by the rifled bore.

The lock plate is marked beneath the hammer with a crisp Federal eagle over:

U.S.

The tail of the lock plate is marked:

SPRING
FIELD
1853

These markings identify manufacture at the United States Armory at Springfield, Massachusetts, rather than by a private government contractor.

The barrel tang is clearly dated:

1854

The left side of the barrel retains the standard inspection and proof markings:

V / P / Eagle Head

The one year difference between the 1853 lock and 1854 barrel dates may reflect normal use of available armory components, later government assembly, or subsequent replacement during service. No documentation accompanies the musket establishing when the components were brought together.

The barrel is fitted with a National Armory style rear ladder sight consistent with rifled alterations performed during the mid-1850s. The thicker barrel walls of the Model 1842 made many examples suitable for later rifling and conversion for use with expanding base ammunition.

The cap nipple, or cone, is in excellent condition, possibly replaced post war. Its square lower section remains clearly defined, and the percussion bolster retains its original contours. There is little firing residue or discoloration around the bolster, suggesting comparatively limited use after its last cleaning, though the musket’s complete service history is unknown.

The metal surfaces have developed an attractive, lightly aged brown patina with areas of oxidation staining. No significant peppering or deep pitting was observed.

The musket retains its iron furniture, including both barrel bands and the iron nose cap. Both sling swivels remain present and move relatively easily.

The butt plate is faintly marked:

U.S.

A scratched Roman numeral style marking is also present:

C X X X V I I I

The meaning and period of application of this marking are unknown, but would equal 138 in standard western numerals.

The percussion lock remains mechanically functional. It holds securely at half cock and releases correctly from full cock when the trigger is pulled. This describes only the present mechanical action and is not a statement that the musket is safe to fire.

The three groove rifling remains readily visible. The bore is partly bright but shows overall light fouling and oxidation from past use and storage. This residue has been left intact.

The one piece walnut stock remains in very good overall condition and has developed an attractive red brown color. It shows scattered dents, handling marks, and wear consistent with military use and age.

A crack extends from the lower lock screw toward the breech area, a commonly encountered stress location on muskets of this pattern. No other major stock damage is described, and there is no significant erosion of the wood around the percussion bolster.

No legible inspection cartouches are visible on the left side of the stock beneath the lock screws.

The original style trumpet head ramrod remains present and retains its threaded narrow end. The head is cupped for use with expanding base ammunition, a feature associated with the rifled alteration of these muskets during the mid-1850s.

With its Springfield Armory markings, visible 1853 and 1854 dates, three groove rifled bore, National Armory style rear sight, cupped ramrod, complete iron furniture, and functional lock, this is an appealing example of a Model 1842 musket updated for the changing requirements of mid-19th century warfare. The differing lock and barrel dates, stock crack, absent cartouches, bore fouling, oxidation, light nipple wear, and unknown scratched marking are fully disclosed. It would make a strong addition to a U.S. martial arms, Springfield Armory, Mexican-American War, Civil War musket, or rifled conversion collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1853 & 1854
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1842 Musket
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 57 3/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.