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. 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 originally manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield itself in 1822, as indicated by markings on the tail of the lock plate:

There is also a clear Federal Eagle over U.S. on the lock plate in front of the hammer, which is crisp on the very good condition lock plate. The 42" smooth bore barrel is marked with P / Eagle's Head / V on the left top of the breech, the correct proof marks for this era, There is also a faint oval cartouche on the left side of the stock, along with some other markings we cannot quite make out. There is a heavy amount of past powder burn on the breech area, which was cleaned away, and the cap nipple cone looks to have been replaced, with areas around it peened to help stabilize it. We can also see that a rear sight was added at some point in a dovetail, but is now reomved.

This example is in very good condition, having been fully cleaned and restored by our expert antique gunsmiths. The metalwork is now mostly bright, showing past oxidation and peppering in areas, particularly near the cap nipple cone, as mentioned previously. The lock is fully functional, and holds correctly at half-cock, firing at full cock. We checked the bore, and it is heavily fouled and oxidized, indicating long service without being cleaned afterwards. We measured it with a micrometer, and it is about 0.715" at the muzzle, indicating heavy use.

The stock is in very good shape, showing wear commensurate with long service in the field. We can see some past dents and chips, and the wood to the rear of the cap nipple cone is eroded, as we often see. The stock was completely refinished at some point, and now has an almost beech color to the walnut, which looks to have had a hand-rubbed finish applied. The front swing swivel is present, but oxidation frozen, and we noted that the band it is attached to is quite a bit more oxidized than the rest of the fittings. The trigger guard looks to have been replaced with one from a Model 1812 Springfield, which has the sling swivel on a bolster in front of the trigger guard. In this case the sling swivel is broken off. The cleaning rod is what looks to be a recent replacement, with a somewhat crude sweated joint near the flared tip.

A very good 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: 1822
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.

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.