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, the holes filled, 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 lovely example still has the remnants of the brass pan intact on the lock plate, and was contractor produced, as indicated by the markings on the lock plate under the hammer: 

And the markings on the lock plate tail: 

Phineas and Eli Whitney Blake were nephews of Eli Whitney, in New Haven, Conn.. P. & E.W. held the Whitney estate in trust for Whitney's son, Eli Whitney, Jr. who took over the company when he reached his majority. Its 42" smooth bore barrel shows only light wear, and still bears a J.C. inspector marking over a P proof, for inspection by James Carrington, a known inspector of "Whitney, Blake & Starr Muskets". The full length walnut stock also bears two crisp oval Inspector's cartouches on left side of the stock above the trigger guard: JC and EB / 2. The former is another marking for Carrington, and we assume the later is related to this being a Blake musket. The butt plate is correctly marked U.S.. As per the pattern, the musket has all iron mounts, with the only brass component being the remnants of the flash pan.

The musket is in lovely condition, with the metalwork showing a lovely bright steel patina, having most likely been polished bright when it was converted to percussion. This is still well retained, with some light staining and peppering in a few places. There is some powder burn around the cap nipple cone, and there is also some oxidation on the upper part of the butt plate, probably from having rested on a floor for some time. We checked the lock action, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

The stock is in great shape, with a lovely color, showing the expected dents and dings from age and use, but no major damage. The only crack we can see runs from the lower lock screw to the breech area, a very common place to see these. With two crisp cartouches, this stock does not look to have seen any major restoration at any time. Both sling swivels are present and moveable, and the original ramrod is still present, with intact threads.

The included socket bayonet in this offering is in very good shape, and fits great on the muzzle of the rifle, locking into place securely. It is in excellent condition, still retaining the bright finish well, and does not show any major past oxidation or damage. There is just a bit of light staining, and it has a partially struck US stamp on the ricasso.

A beautiful example of an early stage in the evolution of the U.S. Musket, which saw further service by being converted to percussion. Complete with a fantastic bayonet and ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1828
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 57 3/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

Specifications (Bayonet):-

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

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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