Original item: One Only. The US Model 1842 Musket was a .69 caliber musket manufactured and used in the United States during the 19th Century. It was a continuation of the Model 1816 line of muskets but is generally referred to by its own model number rather than just a variant of the Model 1816. All of these muskets were 58 inches long, with a barrel around 42 inches in length.

The Model 1842 was the last U.S. smoothbore musket produced. Many features that had been retrofitted into the Model 1840 were standard on the Model 1842. The Model 1842 was the first U.S. musket to be produced with a percussion lock, though most of the Model 1840 flintlocks ended up being converted to percussion locks before reaching the field. The percussion cap system was vastly superior to the flintlock, being much more reliable and much more resistant to weather. They were used during the Mexican-American war, and many were still in armories at the onset of the Civil War, when many saw additional service.

The Models 1840 & 1842 were made with thicker barrel walls, with the intention that they could be rifled later, and this example was later rifled in the three-groove pattern associated with U.S. military alterations. It looks to have seen use, indicated by the firing residue and discoloration around the cap nipple cone bolster, but was relatively well cared for. It displays a nice polished patina overall, showing evidence of light past staining and peppering, now cleaned away. The lock plate still shows remnants of the correct American "Federal Eagle" / U.S. marking under of the hammer, and was produced at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield itself, as indicated on the lock plate tail:

SPRING
FIELD
1846

Many of these muskets were produced under contract, however this example was made at one of the Federal armories. The rifle side plate is thin and not bulged, as typical of the Model 1842 Musket. Previous iterations had had a more pronounced side plate with a bulge in the middle. The cap nipple cone shows only light wear, and the square portion at the the bottom is still clear, and the bolster retains its original contours. The V / P / Eagle's Head proofs on the left side are still faintly visible, though the barrel date on the tang is completely worn away.

With all iron mounts this .69 caliber musket is in very nice condition, showing a lovely polished patina from repeated cleanings over the years. It still retains both barrel bands and the iron nose cap, and both sling swivels are intact and move relatively easily. The butt plate is faintly U.S. marked, and the lock still functions correctly, holding securely at half cock and releasing correctly at full cock. We checked the bore, and  the three groove rifling is still easily visible, though there is overall fouling and oxidation from lack of cleaning.

The one piece walnut stock on this gun is in very good shape, showing a lovely red brown color from years of age. There is overall denting and wear from use, but no major damage, just a few small cracks around the lock plate, and another running from the lower lock screw to the breech area, a very common area to see these. There is also no major erosion of the wood near the cap nipple cone bolster, indicating light to moderate use. We checked the left side of the stock below the lock screws, and there are no inspection cartouches visible. The original trumpet shaped ramrod is present, and still retains threading on the narrow end.

This Springfield-manufactured U.S. Model 1842 percussion musket retains its 1847-dated lock, three-groove rifled bore, iron furniture, both sling swivels, and original trumpet-head ramrod. The lock remains functional at half and full cock, while the rifling is still clearly visible despite accumulated oxidation and fouling. The metal has developed a polished gray patina from repeated cleaning, and the walnut stock shows expected dents, wear, and several small cracks around the lock and breech area without major wood loss. Although the barrel tang date and stock inspection cartouches are no longer visible, the surviving Springfield lock markings, barrel proofs, and rifled configuration make this a well-preserved example of a Model 1842 musket altered during its service life.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1847
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1842 Musket
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
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.