Original Item: Only One Available. This is a scarce early Civil War Confederate Style Percussion Conversion made from a .69 Caliber, smoothbore Pattern 1808 Flintlock Musket. The 1808 muskets are essentially an exact copy of the Springfield Model 1795, which in turn was merely a copy of the French Model 1777 Charleville. With the 1795 being truly the first officially adopted, and manufactured service long arm, these are an incredibly historic and important piece of United States small arms history, and a true “must have” for one looking to assemble a collection highlighting the lineage of American small arms. Most of these were made by contractors, however this example was made at Springfield, and was made outside of the usual time period we see these from, which definitely makes it an interesting example. It has the correct flat lock plate and separate bolster for the lower sling swivel, even though it was made after the Model 1812 and 1816 were released.

This musket features a textbook Confederate style conversion to a percussion ignition system. In the early days of the Civil War, the south scrambled to outfit large numbers of troops in short order. As many southern arsenals housed rather antiquated and obsolete arms, the south was at a clear disadvantage compared to the well-armed armies of the Union forces. Confederate arsenals, and many small contracted cottage-industry style gunshops were charged with updating many of these obsolete arms. The quality of the conversions ranged from crude to rather well done. Some unfortunate Confederate troops went into battle with obsolete flintlock muskets as late as 1862! This particular conversion features a “drum” style cylindrical conversion bolster, which is relatively crude, and a "High Spur" hammer, also of relatively crude manufacturing. This is definitely way below the level of craftsmanship we see on contractor and national armory level conversions.

This very nice example was originally manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield itself in 1817, as indicated by markings on the tail of the lock plate:

There is also an EAGLE over a script U.S. on the lock plate in front of the hammer, the standard marking seen on these locks. The side of the barrel nocks form is marked P / Eagle's Head / V, the standard Springfield Armory proof mark in of the era and later, first instituted in 1799, replacing the earlier "Liberty Cap" marking. The barrel tang is dated clearly with 181, with the last number worn away. There are traces of cartouches stamped into the left side of the stock behind the lower lock screw, however we cannot make out anything accurately.

Condition is very good, considering the age, and extensive service life this musket had. The metal has achieved a rich mottled patina over the years. Original Band springs are in place with the original spring retainers. Both sling swivels are present and move easily, though the original ramrod is unfortunately missing. We checked the lock, and it is fully functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing only at full, though it requires a VERY strong trigger pull. The stock looks to have been cleaned and waxed over the years, and display the fantastic red brown color of old oiled walnut. The stock, naturally, exhibits dings, and slight damage, as expected with a heavily used service arm. For being almost 210 years old, this is in surprisingly good condition.

A great collector's opportunity! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1819
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 41 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 57 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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.