Original item: One of a Kind. Over the years, IMA has purchased many collections and groups of antique guns, in which case we need to take all of them, as we did in Nepal. While these collections were generally full of guns that relatively good condition, they also had some that were less complete and unfortunately would take more restoration time than we were able to give them. We kept them in storage, possibly for future products, but have now decided to offer these "As Found" antique firearms to our customers as restoration projects. These are all original and as we received them, except for cleaning the dirt and grime off the exterior.

Please note that these are still real antique guns, and are being sold in "As is" condition at a significant discount from what they would sell at if we were to fully restore them. We will do our best to photograph and describe them and know that our customers will know exactly what they are getting. Some of these, such as this example, look to have possibly been project or parts guns, and are missing a significant amount of parts. These are being sold in "Grade 2" condition, and on these ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

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 shortened example is still in the original smoothbore configuration. The lock plate is oxidized and worn, which has removed most of the markings, and made those that are still remaining very hard to see. Close examination with a magnifying glass revealed SPRING / FIELD / 1848 on the lock plate tail. Many of these muskets were produced under contract, however this example was made at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield itself, located in Springfield, Mass. The musket side plate is thin and not bulged, as typical of the Model 1842 Musket. The markings on the breech end of the barrel are completely gone due to oxidation and powder burn. There are however some very interesting markings on the left side of the stock, which could be a great research opportunity.

Condition Notes:
- Overall condition shows significant oxidation and pitting on the metalwork.
- Overall length has been reduced by approximately 12 inches, with the nose cap moved back next to the middle barrel band.
- Lock is functional but does not hold at half cock
- Both sling swivels are present, with the upper sling swivel cracked through near the hinge.
- Cleaning rod is missing.
- Stock shows wood worm damage in the butt stock area.

A very nice "relic" example of the last smoothbore percussion musket that the United States fielded, shortened for use by artillery soldiers. Please make sure to look at all the pictures before purchasing, as ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1848
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 45 1/2 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.