Item:
ON11040

Original U.S. Springfield Model 1822 Flintlock Musket by Lemuel Pomeroy - Dated 1830

Item Description

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.  

This example was contractor made, by LEMUEL POMEROY of Pittsfield, Mass., one of 6,000 purchased by the Federal Government as M-1830 MUSKETS. These were to be delivered at a rate of 1,000 a year. Apparently these  were destined for use in Virginia, which later became part of the Confederacy.

The lock plate is marked with an American Spread Eagle over L. POMEROY, with 1830 / U.S. on the lock plate tail. The 42" smooth bore barrel is marked with an Eagle's head over a V on the side of the breech, which is marked U S. on top. It is also dated 1829 on the barrel tang. It was probably around the end of the year, which would explain the barrel date being one year before the lock.

This example has been fully cleaned and put into excellent display condition. The lock is fully functional, and holds correctly at half-cock, firing at full cock, though it takes a hard pull to get the lock to cock all the way. The metalwork has a really nice patina, and the wood stock is in great shape with a very nice color, though it does have the expected wear, dents, and scratches from being almost 200 years old. The front and rear sling swivels are present, and in good condition

A very nice example of the evolution of the U.S. Musket! Ready to display!

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.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1830
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches

Overall Length: 58 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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