Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Model 1795 .69 caliber flintlock infantry musket attributed to Springfield Armory production and retaining an 1804 dated butt plate tang. It remains in its original flintlock configuration, with the characteristic faceted iron pan, early style barrel and furniture, and no later percussion conversion. The musket shows extensive service wear and age but retains the unmistakable character of an early Federal period U.S. martial arm.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Model 1795 was the first standardized U.S. military musket produced at the Federal armories and was heavily influenced by the French Charleville pattern arms used during the American Revolution. It remained in service into the War of 1812 period before later U.S. musket patterns superseded it.

The original lock markings are now largely worn away or may have been deliberately removed, but the tang of the butt plate retains the date:

1804

At the time there was a lot of changes in how U.S. martial firearms were marked, and the date on the butt plate is consistent with this period. The barrel breech is marked on the left side:

P
Eagle's Head

These proof and inspection marks are consistent with early Federal musket production of the period. They had been introduced in 1799, replacing the earlier "Liberty Cap" marking. The barrel measures approximately 41 3/4" in length. This is somewhat shorter than many surviving Model 1795 examples and may indicate that the barrel was shortened slightly during its long service life.

The musket retains no rear sight, as is correct for the pattern, and has a brass front sight mounted at the forward barrel band and nose cap area. The lock retains the faceted iron flash pan characteristic of the Model 1795 and remains in unconverted flintlock configuration.

The metalwork has developed a deep plum brown patina from age, oxidation, and old cleaning. The barrel, butt plate, and most of the barrel bands retain this mature brown surface, while the front band shows somewhat more cleaning. The lock has also been cleaned more heavily and now shows a mottled gray and brown patina. We also noted some personalized markings on the trigger guard tang, but we were not able toe read them.

The lock presently functions, but the half cock position is not secure and the hammer can be released from half cock with a strong pull. The bore is clear but shows old fouling, oxidation, and some dirt. The muzzle currently measures approximately .71", indicating substantial wear from long use. These observations describe only the musket’s present mechanical and bore condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to load or fire.

The American black walnut stock has an attractive aged red brown color with an old oil finish and shows the expected dents, dings, scratches, and handling wear from more than two centuries of use and storage. There is a crack extending forward from the upper lock screw, along with missing wood immediately behind the lock plate. A section of wood to the right of the barrel tang was previously broken away and reglued. Additional erosion is present behind the lock from old powder residue and ignition wear.

With its 1804 dated butt plate tang, original flintlock configuration, Federal P / Eagle's Head barrel proofs, faceted iron pan, early military furniture, and heavily service worn walnut stock, this is a compelling surviving example of the Model 1795 musket from the early Federal and War of 1812 era. The worn or removed lock markings, possibly shortened barrel, unsafe half cock position, enlarged and fouled bore, stock cracks, missing wood, reglued tang area, and powder erosion are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Model 1795, Springfield Armory, early U.S. martial arms, War of 1812 era, or advanced Federal period firearms collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1804
Model: Transitional 1795 Flintlock Musket
Caliber: 0.69" - worn to 0.71"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 41 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 57 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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. It was the first musket to be produced in the United States by both Federal armories, 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.

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.

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.