Original Item: Only One Set Available. This is an original U.S. Model 1822 .69 caliber flintlock contract musket manufactured by Eli Whitney of New Haven, Connecticut, with both the lock and barrel dated 1832. It remains in its original flintlock configuration and retains strong Whitney markings, Federal inspection marks, an inspector cartouche, period ownership marking, and an included U.S. marked socket bayonet.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Model 1822 was a development of the earlier Model 1816 family of U.S. military muskets and retained the .69 caliber smoothbore barrel and flintlock ignition system. One visible change was the lower sling swivel arrangement, with the swivel mounted through an enlarged forward portion of the trigger guard bow rather than from a separate stud ahead of it. Arms of this general pattern were produced at the Federal arsenals and by private contractors, including Eli Whitney of New Haven. These were sometimes referred to as "Whitney Flintlocks" due to the large number that they produced

This example was manufactured by Eli Whitney and is clearly marked on the lock plate:

U.S.
(Crossed Arrow and Laurel Branch)
E. WHITNEY

The tail of the lock is marked:

NEW
HAVEN
1832

The 42" smoothbore barrel is also dated 1832 at the tang. The left upper breech carries the Federal inspection and proof markings:

U S
AH
P in a serrated circle

The AH marking is attributed to inspector Asabel Hubbard, associated with inspection of Whitney and Starr muskets, Johnson pistols, and Waters .69 caliber flintlock muskets during the early to mid 19th century.

The left side of the stock also retains a faint oval script:

JM

cartouche, a marking observed on other Whitney muskets of the period, though the inspector has not been identified. The left side of the butt is additionally stamped:

G. CARLETON

providing a period ownership or property marking whose specific identity is not presently documented.

The musket remains in its original flintlock configuration rather than having undergone one of the later percussion conversions commonly encountered on U.S. martial muskets of this period. The lock presently functions correctly during manual inspection, holding at half cock and releasing from full cock.

The barrel shows substantial powder related oxidation around the breech, together with vise marks on both sides that may indicate the breech plug was removed at some point in the past. The remainder of the metalwork has an attractive dark gray to lightly oxidized patina with scattered old peppering. It has been cleaned in the past, but the markings remain well defined.

The bore is clear and presently measures approximately .695" at the muzzle. It shows old fouling and oxidation consistent with service use. These observations describe only the musket’s current mechanical and bore condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to load or fire.

The American black walnut stock is in very good condition with an attractive aged red brown color and visible service wear. There are scratches, gouges, dents, and handling marks, but no major structural repairs. Cracking is present around the lock plate and between the upper lock screw and breech area, both common stress points on muskets of this age. There is also some erosion to the wood beneath the cock from prolonged exposure to powder residue.

The lower sling swivel remains present and movable. The middle barrel band no longer carries a sling swivel, and its swivel bolster has been ground away. An old ramrod is present beneath the barrel, though it appears to be a later 19th century replacement of uncertain origin.

The included socket bayonet is marked:

U.S.

on the ricasso and has an aged stained patina with scattered rust peppering. It fits over the muzzle and begins to seat correctly, though oxidation and old grease inside the socket currently prevent it from sliding fully into position.

With its matching 1832 lock and barrel dates, clear E. Whitney / New Haven markings, original unconverted flintlock configuration, AH Federal inspection mark, JM stock cartouche, G. CARLETON butt stamp, and included U.S. marked socket bayonet, this is a strong example of an Eli Whitney contract Model 1822 musket. The breech oxidation, vise marks, stock cracking, missing middle band swivel, ground swivel bolster, replacement ramrod, bore fouling, and bayonet socket obstruction are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a U.S. martial musket, Eli Whitney, early Federal arms, flintlock military firearm, or War of 1812 and antebellum era collection.

Specifications (Musket):-

Year of Manufacture: 1832
Maker: Eli Whitney
Model: 1822 Springfield Musket
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 57 3/8 Inches
Action type: Side Action Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Socket Length: 3"
Overall length: 21“

History of the Model 1822 Musket:
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, referred to as the "Type II" 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.

The Model 1816 Musket Lineage
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.