Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fascinating example of a U.S. Model 1835 Musket that underwent one of the most interesting arsenal modernization programs of the mid-19th century: conversion from an earlier flintlock smoothbore into a percussion rifled musket fitted with the advanced Remington-Maynard tape primer system.

The Model 1835 Musket represented an important transitional step in American military arms development. Originally produced as a .69 caliber flintlock smoothbore with a 42-inch barrel, it was an improvement over earlier Model 1816/1822 pattern muskets and reflected the U.S. government’s increasing focus on standardized manufacturing methods and interchangeable components. These developments eventually led to the Model 1842, the first U.S. musket produced with fully interchangeable parts.

By the 1850s, military technology had advanced dramatically. The older flintlock ignition system was rapidly becoming obsolete, replaced by the far more reliable percussion system. Rather than discard thousands of existing muskets stored in government arsenals, the United States began extensive conversion programs to modernize these arms for continued service.

Among the most interesting of these upgrades was the Remington-Maynard conversion. Between 1856 and 1859, Remington Arms Company of Ilion, New York produced approximately 20,000 Maynard tape primer locks and percussion bolsters under U.S. government contract. These components were delivered to Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia, where they were installed on earlier muskets. As part of the modernization process, many barrels were also rifled, and improved sights similar to those used on the Model 1855 rifle musket were fitted.

The goal was to transform older flintlock muskets into modern percussion arms capable of using the more accurate Minié ball system. When the Civil War erupted in 1861, the urgent demand for serviceable firearms meant that many of these converted muskets were issued and saw wartime service.

This example began life as an earlier U.S. flintlock musket, most likely a Model 1835 produced at either Springfield Armory or Harpers Ferry Armory. It was later upgraded with one of the scarce Remington-Maynard tape primer lock assemblies.

The lock plate is clearly marked:

REMINGTON'S
ILION. N.Y.
1858
U.S.

The lock remains mechanically functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing from full cock. The Maynard tape primer system appears complete, with the primer door present and opening correctly. The internal springs remain intact, the retaining button functions, and the advancing pawl still moves with the operation of the lock. While we cannot test the feeding of original primer tapes, the survival of these components is an excellent feature, as many examples have missing or disabled primer mechanisms.

The barrel breech area no longer retains visible markings. The percussion cone appears to have been replaced during the musket’s period of use, and the bolster cleanout screw is currently seized. There is also a faint original cartouche visible on the left side of the stock, though it is no longer legible.

When this musket was first acquired, it displayed significant age and use, particularly in the bore. Inspection revealed a very interesting chapter in its history: the musket had at one time been shortened and later professionally restored back to full length for display.

The lower 34 inches of the barrel remain original, while approximately the final 8 inches at the muzzle were restored with a carefully fitted extension. The bore still retains visible rifling, though it shows the expected wear and fouling from extensive service. The muzzle now measures approximately .72 caliber.

The fore stock was also expertly restored forward of the lower barrel band, with a very well-executed joint. The final 27 inches of the stock were either taken from another period firearm or carefully fabricated to return the musket to its original full-length appearance.

Based on the evidence, this musket was likely shortened at some point into a musketoon or artillery-style configuration, possibly around 50 inches overall with fewer barrel bands, before being restored during the 20th century back to its current 57 3/4-inch display configuration. The restoration work was very professionally performed and clearly required considerable skill and effort. Due to these alterations, this example is offered as a historical display piece.

The iron furniture displays a wonderful aged dark oxidized patina throughout, with areas of past oxidation, peppering, and light pitting consistent with age and service. The bolster area shows evidence of heavy period firing, with powder burn that has since been cleaned. Various inspection markings remain visible on components, and the iron butt plate retains a partially visible U.S. marking.

Both sling swivels remain present and functional. The musket also retains the correct style ramrod beneath the barrel, complete with intact threads at the opposite end.

The stock presents very well despite its historical alterations, displaying an attractive aged appearance. There appear to be markings stamped into the right side of the butt stock, though the older varnish finish prevents them from being clearly identified.

Overall, this is a fascinating example of a U.S. military arm that reflects multiple generations of American firearms history. Beginning as an early flintlock musket, upgraded through the rare Remington-Maynard percussion conversion program, likely seeing Civil War era use, later altered, and finally restored for preservation and display, it tells the story of how valuable military arms were continuously adapted as technology changed.

A very interesting Civil War period Remington-Maynard conversion with excellent research potential and a wonderful historical presence.

Specifications:
Original Manufacture: Circa 1830s
Conversion Date: 1858 Remington-Maynard System
Caliber: Originally .69 Caliber, Later Rifled
Ammunition Type: Powder and Ball / Minié Ball
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 57 3/4 Inches
Action Type: Side Action Percussion Lock with Maynard Tape Primer
Feed System: Single Shot Muzzle Loader

History of the Model 1835 Musket:

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, often referring to them as "Type 2" and "Type 3" versions of the M1816.

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.