Original U.S. Springfield Model 1822 Cone in Barrel Percussion Converted Musket by Harpers Ferry - Dated 1827

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, 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 example still has the remnants of the brass pan intact on the lock plate, and was originally manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry itself in 1827, as indicated by markings on the tail of the lock plate:

HARPERS
FERRY
1827

There are also remnants of the Federal Eagle over U.S. on the lock plate in front of the hammer, which is worn due to past oxidation and cleaning of the lock plate. The 42" smooth bore barrel is marked with P / Eagle's Head / V on the left top of the breech, the correct proof marks for this era, which are a bit faint. We checked the left side of the stock, and there are no inspection cartouches we can see, just a large scratched in letter M. There is a heavy amount of past powder burn on the breech area, which was cleaned away, eroding the area around the cap nipple cone, which looks to be original.

This example is in very good condition, having been fully cleaned and restored by our expert antique gunsmiths. The metalwork is now mostly bright, showing past oxidation and peppering in areas, particularly near the cap nipple cone, as mentioned previously. The lock is fully functional, and holds correctly at half-cock, firing at full cock. We checked the bore, and it is heavily fouled and oxidized, indicating long service without being cleaned afterwards. We measured it with a micrometer, and it is about 0.707" at the muzzle, indicating relatively heavy use.

The stock is in very good shape, showing wear commensurate with service in the field. We can see some past dents and chips, and the wood to the rear of the cap nipple cone is eroded, as we often see. There is also a period repair to the wrist, which was cracked running down to the front of the trigger guard. There are two period flat head screws securing the split as well as possibly glue. The front swing swivel is present, but oxidation frozen, while the trigger guard swivel moves, but is stiff. The ramrod looks to be a recent replacement.

A very good example of an early stage in the evolution of the U.S. Musket, which saw further service by being converted to percussion. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1827
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 57 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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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