Original U.S. War of 1812 R. & C. Leonard Contract Model 1808 Percussion Converted Musket - dated 1812 & 1814
Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. A Unique piece of War of 1812 and Civil War history!
Manufactured by Rudolph and Charles Leonard of Canton, Massachusetts between 1808 and 1814, this is one of the approximately 4,208 muskets delivered on contract during the War of 1812. During the 1850’s and up to the beginning of the Civil War, thousands of obsolete arms were updated by removing the flintlock ignition system and refitting with a percussion ignition system in its place. 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”). It is uncertain where precisely this conversion was done, but was most likely done in a northern armory.
The lock plate is marked CANTON / 1812 in a vertical curve on the lock plate tail and R. & C. LEONARD is marked ahead of the hammer, under a U.S. Federal Eagle. The upper barrel band has a brass front sight blade and the bayonet lug is mounted on the bottom of the barrel. Barrel is stamped with P over PC in a rectangular cartouche, and M / 1814 at the breech, proof marks from Massachusetts. An inspector’s cartouche E.F. is stamped on the wrist of the stock, just below the trigger guard tang. A number 18 is stamped into the front bayonet lug. The number most likely corresponds to a bayonet which was hand fitted to the musket, and also was most likely marked “18” as well. Unfortunately, this musket did not come to us with its matching bayonet.
The 1808 Contract muskets are essentially an exact copy of the Springfield Model 1795, which in turn was merely a copy of the French Model 1777 Charleville. With the 1795 being truly the first officially adopted, and manufactured service long arm, these are an incredibly historic and important piece of United States small arms history, and a true “must have” for one looking to assemble a collection highlighting the lineage of American small arms.
Condition is very good, considering the age, and extensive service life this musket had. The metal has achieved a rich patina over the years, showing the expected oxidation, light pitting, and patina as expected. Original Band springs are in place with the original spring retainers. The stock still exhibits some of the original reddish hue finish, which is quite pleasing. Both original sling swivels are present, and move freely. The stock, naturally, exhibits dings, cracks, and slight damage, as expected with a heavily used service arm. The lock is still fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. For being 208 years old, this is in surprisingly good condition.
A fantastic collector's opportunity!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1812 & 1814
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 43 Inches
Overall Length: 58 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded
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.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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.
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