Original item: One Only. The U.S. Model 1822 Musket was a .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock, with a 42-inch barrel and an overall length of 58 inches. It replaced the previous model 1816 musket, and often is viewed as a further development of that design. One of the most noticeable differences in the Model 1822 is the attachment of the lower sling swivel. The forward part of the trigger bow was provided with an enlargement which was drilled to receive the sling swivel rivet. Previously, the sling swivel had been affixed to a stud in front of the trigger bow.

The Model 1822 was produced by the Springfield Armory, Harpers Ferry Armory, and numerous other contractors, such as Robert Johnson of Middleton, Connecticut. There were several large contracts issued based on the current design starting in 1828, resulting in these being referred to as the Model 1822/28. It was eventually replaced by the Springfield Model 1835, which is also considered by many to be a continuation of the Model 1816. These were sometimes referred to as "Whitney Flintlocks" due to the large number made in New Haven, Connecticut by Eli Whitney.

In the 1850s, many of the Flintlock Muskets in Arsenal were converted to Percussion, which was a much more reliable and water-resistant ignition system. This involved all variants of the Model of the 1816, and helped to standardize the types of ammunition carried by the soldiers in the field. The easiest conversion type, often referred to as the “Belgian” style conversion, was to simply tap a threaded hole in the top of the breach of the barrel to permit the fitting of a percussion cone (aka “nipple”). The lock had the frizzen and other external parts removed, and the pan mostly cut off. Many of these were then used during the Civil War by local militias, especially in the South, which did not have the same industrial capacity.

This example still has the remnants of the brass pan intact on the lock plate, and was made contractor produced, as indicated by the markings under the hammer:

U.S.
(Eagle)
JOHNSON

It also has markings on the lock plate tail:

1834
MIDD'N CONN.

Robert Johnson was a major U.S. Government contract arms supplier during the first half of the 19th century, active from 1822 to 1854. Previously he had operated with John. D Johnson (presumed relative) beginning in 1814. The Johnson plant was located on Lower Pameacha Creek, Middletown, Conn. The firm signed a contract on September 25, 1829, to deliver 3,000 stands of arms at the rate of 600 per year with a cost of $12.25 each to the storekeeper in Middletown, Conn.. For more information please see Peter A. Schmidt's book U.S. Military Flintlock Muskets and Their Bayonets, The Later Years 1816 through the Civil War, page 162.

This example is in very nice original condition, with a lovely patina showing decades of careful cleaning. It does however look to have seen extensive use after conversion to percussion, and possibly before. There is a large amount of past powder burn in this area, which has unfortunately removed all of the original markings from the breech end of the barrel. The rest of the metalwork however is very well preserved, with the markings on the lock plate very crisp, and the rest of the barrel showing a lovely mottled gray patina, with just a bit of past peppering. The fittings are in similar condition, and have a great aged look.. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though the mainspring is quite strong, so it takes some effort to cock. We checked the bore, and it now measures about 0.70", so it definitely is worn. The interior shows rusting near the muzzle, and while the bore is clear, it shows overall past fouling and oxidation.

The wood stock is in very good condition, with a lovely color and grain. It shows wear and denting commensurate with age, as to be expected on a gun that saw such long service, however it shows no signs of major restoration or damage. There are no cracks, repairs or other major issues, just honest wear from service. There is a CRISP oval script FM car cartouche on the left side by the lock screws, which we have not been able to identify. There is the correct U S stamping on the butt plate, and there is also some type of cartouche next to it on the spine, which we cannot identify. Both sling swivels are present and functional, however the ramrod is definitely a recent replacement.

A very good contractor made example of an early stage in the evolution of the U.S. Musket, which saw further service by being converted to percussion. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1834
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 57 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

History of the Model 1822 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.

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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.

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