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. It looks to have seen use, indicated by the amount of powder burn around the cap nipple cone bolster, but the barrel still measures about 0.69", the original diameter. It displays a nice polished patina overall, showing evidence of light past staining and peppering, now cleaned away. The lock plate is marked with the correct American "Federal Eagle" / U.S. under of the hammer, and was produced at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield itself, as indicated on the lock plate tail:

SPRING
FIELD
1844

Many of these muskets were produced under contract, however this example was made at one of the Federal armories. 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. Due to the amount of use it most likely saw, there is a good amount of powder burn and oxidation around the breech area of the barrel and the cap nipple cone bolster, which was later cleaned away. The cone shows some wear, but the square portion at the the bottom is still clear, and the bolster shape is still well retained. In spite of this, the V / P proofs on the left side are still visible, though "Eagle's Head" and barrel date on the tang are unfortunately completely worn away.

With all iron mounts this .69 caliber musket is in very nice condition, showing a lovely polished patina from repeated cleanings over the years. It still retains retaining both barrel bands and the iron nose cap, and both sling swivels are intact and move easily. Both sling swivels are present, though the upper swivel is cracked through on the left side. The butt plate is correctly U.S. marked, and the lock still functions correctly, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full. We checked the bore, and there is definitely past fouling and oxidation, so it does not look to have been cleaned properly after last used. The one piece walnut stock on this gun is in very good shape, showing a lovely red brown color from years of age. There is overall denting and wear from use, and there is some erosion from powder burn around the lock. We were not able to see any cartouches still present due to wear. There also is a wood graft repair under the middle barrel band, which is very well executed. There is a cleaning rod present under the stock, but it looks to be a period or Civil War era replacement.

A lovely example of the last smoothbore percussion musket that the United States fielded, still in the original configuration with a lovely used look. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1847
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

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.