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. This 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 outbreak of the Civil War in the United States created a large need for percussion muskets, as the number of modern firearms currently on hand was far short of what was needed. To fill this need, many muskets converted to percussion in the 1840s-1850s were pressed back into service.

This is almost certainly what happened with this musket, which was converted to percussion at arsenal some time before the Civil War. The mounting points for the frizzen and frizzen spring can still be seen, though they are plugged, and the remains of the brass powder pan are still visible on the lock plate. The hammer is a 1842 type, machine made and slightly adjusted for the different cap location.

This example is one of the many made by contractor Eli Whitney, and is marked E. WHITNEY on the lock plate, under U.S.. The tail of the lock plate has the correct markings for this maker as well:

By this point Springfield had introduced the "Model 1835" revision, however contractors generally did not introduce the changes until 1840, and would continue to making the configuration until the end of current contract. The 42" smooth bore barrel shows powder burn around the breech area, which looks to be prior to the percussion conversion. There was some material removed when the cap nipple cone installed, so the only proof still visible is a P in a serrated circle.

This example is in very nice display condition, looking to have seen a good amount of use prior to percussion conversion, as well as afterwards. The metalwork displays a lovely dark gray patina, with areas of past peppering evident. It has been tastefully cleaned to avoid excessive wear to the matured finish. We checked the bore of the barrel, and it shows past fouling and oxidation, but is clear and measures out to about 0.70" at the muzzle. The lock is fully functional, and holds correctly at half-cock, firing at full cock.

The stock is in very good condition, showing wear commensurate with service in the field. There is some cracking and wood missing around the tang of the barrel, as well as numerous dents on the rest of the stock. There is also some missing wood along the woodline on the fore stock area. Both sling swivels are present and move easily, and there is a ramrod installed, but it is a replacement of unknown origin.

This 1837-dated Eli Whitney contract musket retains its maker-marked lock, 42-inch .69-caliber smoothbore barrel, military furniture, and visible evidence of its original flintlock configuration. The plugged frizzen and spring mounting points, surviving remnants of the brass pan, and later percussion hammer and nipple document its conversion to the more reliable percussion system before or during the Civil War era. The lock remains fully functional, while the dark gray patina, scattered peppering, bore oxidation, powder staining, stock dents, missing wood, and cracking around the barrel tang reflect extensive age and use. Both sling swivels remain present, although the installed ramrod is a replacement of unknown origin. Overall, it is a well-preserved example of a Whitney-made U.S. martial musket adapted for continued use as ignition systems changed during the mid-19th century.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1837 - converted later
Maker: Eli Whitney
Model: 1822 Springfield Musket
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
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.