Original item: One of a Kind. The Model 1795 was the first musket to be produced in the United States by Springfield and Harper's Ferry Arsenals, as well as contractor Eli Whitney. It was based heavily on the Charleville musket, Model 1763/66, which had been imported in large numbers from the French during the American Revolution, and which at the time comprised the largest number of muskets in U.S. arsenals at about 20,000 muskets. The Model 1795 was used in the War of 1812, after which shortcomings in both the design and manufacturing process of the Model 1795 led to the development of the Model 1812 Musket at Springfield only, and eventually the Model 1816 Musket muskets at both armories.

This very nice example however still is in the original flintlock configuration, looks to have seen a good amount of use during it's service life. The musket was originally manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry itself in 1812, as indicated by markings on the tail of the lock plate:

There is also a clear Federal Eagle with a U.S. on its breast on the lock plate in front of the hammer, which is crisp on the very good condition lightly patinated lock plate. Many of these were contract made, but this example was made at Harpers Ferry Armory itself. We checked the left side of the stock, and we cannot see any inspection cartouches still present, however there is a very interesting marking on the breech end of the barrel: an Eagle Head / CT proof. There is some debate, but it is generally accepted that the "CT" is for "Contract", which explains why muskets made in various different states have this marking. We have not however heard of the Federal Armories using these barrels or marking, so it's possible that during this muskets long life, parts were swapped out by the armory.

The barrel length is 44 1/2 inches, which is a bit different from the later models. There was no official specification of barrel length for the model 1795, so the lengths varied from roughly 42 to 45 inches, as did the overall length, with this musket coming in at 59 1/4". As is correct there is no rear sight, with a front site on the nose cap / muzzle fitting, though for some reason the brass blade on the rear was removed, and an iron one attached to the front band.

The condition of this rifle is quite good considering the age and amount of service it must have seen. The metalwork shows and overall dark oxidized patina, and we can see evidence of past oxidation in wear in many areas. The lock functions, however the tumbler is in need of an adjustment, as it will fire on both half and full cock positions. We checked the bore, and it is clear, however it is worn out to about 0.71" now, and shows heavy use. We also noted that the upper sling swivel has been removed, as has the lower swivel, complete with the bolster. The cleaning rod is present, however it shows oxidation throughout the length.

The stock is dark in color, and definitely shows long service, as well as cracking on the right side wrist and behind the lock plate, with evidence of past wood filler repairs. This musket may well have seen service against the British in the War of 1812, and long after. Now fully cleaned and in lovely patinated display condition, it is ready to join another U.S. Martial Collection.

Chances to own such a nice example of U.S. History do not come by often. This wonderful musket is ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1812
Caliber: .69" - worn to about 0.71"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 44 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 59 1/4" Inches
Action type: Side Action Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

History of the Model 1795 Musket:

The Springfield Model 1795 Musket was a .69 caliber flintlock musket manufactured in the late 18th century and early 19th century at both the Springfield and Harper's Ferry U.S. Armories.

The Model 1795 a very elongated musket, retained many of the characteristics of the Charleville on which it was based. It had a 44 inches (110 cm) long .69 caliber barrel, a 56 inches (140 cm) stock, and a total length of 60 inches (150 cm). The original version had the bayonet lug on the bottom of the barrel but this was later moved to the top. Minor changes were made throughout production inclusive of a shorter barrel length of 42 inches (110 cm) on the later Harper's Ferry weapons. Barrels of Harper's Ferry 1795s were serial numbered up to some point in 1812: Springfield Model 1795's were never serial numbered. Springfield began the Model 1812 improvements in 1814, but Harper's Ferry continued on with the production of the Model 1795 until at least 1819 (early 1819 examples still used the M1795 lockplate) and never produced the Model 1812. Eventually, both armories incorporated improvements into the Model 1816 flintlock which were after a few years virtually identical. Most, but not all, parts will interchange on the Model 1816 muskets but the hand-crafted parts, and lack of set standards and patterns on the earlier Model 1795 weapons often means parts will not interchange easily.

Typical of smoothbore muskets, the M1795 had an effective range of about 50 yards (46 m) to 75 yards (69 m). The Model 1795 fired a smaller round than the British .75 caliber Brown Bess, but the Model 1795 also had both a slightly longer range and slightly better accuracy than the Brown Bess musket. This gave the American forces an advantage of range when they faced British forces in the War of 1812.

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.

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