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, called the "Model 1816 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, the "Model 1816 Type III". These were sometimes referred to as "Whitney Flintlocks" due to the large number made in New Haven, Connecticut by Eli Whitney. There were even some subdivisions within the model numbers, with the Model 1828 being the last iteration of the 1822 before the 1835. Most model 1822 muskets were produced during the National Armory Brown period (c1822-1832), and had the barrel and furniture finished with brown lacquer.

Original flintlock configuration Model 1822 muskets are relatively rare, as most were altered to percussion during the 1840s-50s as part of a movement to standardize ammunition throughout the country. It originally would have also been coated with a a brown lacquer on the barrel and stock, however cleaning over the years has mostly removed this.

This lovely example was contractor produced, as indicated by the markings on the lock plate under the pan, which are still crisp:

Marine T. Wickham was probably the most notable armorer to work at Harpers Ferry before 1816. Equally adept at forging, filing, stocking, and engraving firearms, Wickham possessed great talent as a gunsmith. More importantly, he exhibited a rare ability to manage men effectively while at the same time retaining their admiration and respect. These qualities did not go unnoticed, for in 1808 the secretary of war selected Wickham to succeed Perkin's long-time associate, Charles Williams, as master armorer at Harpers Ferry. However, after three years, he left to go out on his own, and made many guns under contract to the U.S. Government.

Usually we would see a date on the tail of the lock plate, but there is not one present, and it does not look to have been ground down. The musket's 42" smooth bore barrel however still has a clear 1834 date on the barrel tang, with the proof marks on the left side unfortunately worn down from cleaning and use. The metalwork overall has a lovely worn patina from age and use, as well as subsequent cleaning. There looks to have been peppering and some light rust pitting overall on the barrel and fittings, now cleaned away, leaving a lovely aged mottled patina. The brass front sight on the nose cap is still intact, and the bayonet lug on the muzzle is present as well. The lock is functional, however due to wear will fire at both full and half cock. The bore still measures out to 0.69" at the muzzle, so it does not look to have seen major use, however the interior is definitely rusted and dark.

The stock is in very good shape with the usual scuffs and scratches from storage wear, but it still has a lovely color and looks great. There is some cracking around the lock plate and lock side plate, very common places to see these. There is also light denting, scratches, and other signs of use commensurate with age. The butt plate does show a good amount of rust scaling, and the wood around it has been stained due to this. Both sling swivels are present and move, and the ramrod is present as well, with intact threads on the end.

A lovely example of an early stage in the evolution of the U.S. Military Musket, never converted to percussion like so many others were. Ready to research and 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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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.