Item Description
Original item: One Only. The US Model 1840 and 1842 Muskets were a .69 caliber muskets manufactured and used in the United States during the 19th Century. They were both continuations of the Model 1816 line of muskets but are generally referred to by their own model numbers 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. This particular musket was produced under contract, and was produced during the changeover, so it has characteristics of both the M1840 and M1842, and does not appear to be an M1840 converted to M1842, but rather an example assembled from parts for both.
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.
This fine example by contractor LEMUEL POMEROY of Pittsfield, Mass, was one of 6,000 ordered by the Federal Government as M1840 MUSKETS. These were to be delivered at a rate of 1,000 a year but partway through the contract it was decided that the remainder of the contract should be constructed as percussion muskets, which is what we offer here.
Apparently these were destined for use in Virginia, which later became part of the Confederacy. Some of the parts appear to have originally been flintlock, specifically the Lock plate which still shows a portion of the removed brass pan, as well as plugged holes where the frizzen and spring would have been. There is however no indication that the frizzen was ever fitted, so this was probably converted from existing stock prior to installation. The lock plate is marked with an American Spread Eagle over L. POMEROY, with 1844 / U.S. on the lock plate tail.
The rifled barrel is dated 1841 on the tang, however it shows no signs of having been a flintlock barrel, with no plugged touch or side bolster. The barrel is proof marked with the inspectors initials on the side: U.S. / J.C.B / P. 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.
All of the Springfield muskets were themselves evolutions of the model 1816, and many Model 1835, 1840, and 1842 muskets were later rifled, as this one has been. In particular, the Model 1840 and Model 1842 were produced with an intentionally thicker barrel than necessary, with the assumption that they would likely be rifled later, so they required less work. As the designers anticipated, many of the Model 1842 muskets had their barrels rifled later so that they could fire the newly developed Minié ball. When the barrels were rifled, graduated rear sights were added to take advantage of the improved accuracy. We checked this rifle, and the rifling can still be felt at the muzzle.
All iron mounts this .69 caliber rifle is in truly excellent condition. Showing only slight use, the left side of the butt stock shows TWO Cartouches although somewhat faint. Certainly used in the U.S. Civil War, this is a truly lovely example, fully cleaned and ready to Display.
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1841/44
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Minie Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 58 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.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
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