{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-era-springfield-model-1842-69-caliber-rifled-percussion-musket-with-rear-ladder-sight-1853-lock-and-1854-barrel","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Era Springfield Model 1842 .69 Caliber Rifled Percussion Musket with Rear Ladder Sight, 1853 Lock and 1854 Barrel","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock plate is marked beneath the hammer with a crisp \u003cstrong\u003eFederal eagle\u003c\/strong\u003e over:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tail of the lock plate is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPRING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1853\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese markings identify manufacture at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory at Springfield, Massachusett\u003c\/em\u003es, rather than by a private government contractor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel tang is clearly dated:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1854\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the barrel retains the standard inspection and proof markings:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eV \/ P \/ Eagle Head\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metal surfaces have developed an attractive, lightly aged brown patina with areas of oxidation staining. No significant peppering or deep pitting was observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe musket retains its iron furniture, including both barrel bands and the iron nose cap. Both sling swivels remain present and move relatively easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butt plate is faintly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA scratched Roman numeral style marking is also present:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC X X X V I I I\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe meaning and period of application of this marking are unknown, but would equal 138 in standard western numerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo legible inspection cartouches are visible on the left side of the stock beneath the lock screws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1853 \u0026amp; 1854\u003cbr\u003eMaker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003cbr\u003eModel: 1842 Musket\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .69\"\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Ball and Powder\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 42 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 57 3\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Side Action Percussion Lock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle Loading\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45433212272709,"sku":"ONJR26MABS106","price":2395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26MABS106.jpg?v=1785525837","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-era-springfield-model-1842-69-caliber-rifled-percussion-musket-with-rear-ladder-sight-1853-lock-and-1854-barrel","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}