Original U.S. Springfield Model 1822 Flintlock Musket by Harpers Ferry Dated 1828 - Unconverted

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, called the "Model 1816 Type II". 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, the "Model 1816 Type III". 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.

This lovely example however still is in the original flintlock configuration, and was originally manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry itself in 1828, as indicated by markings on the tail of the lock plate:

HARPERS
FERRY
1828

There is also a clear Federal Eagle over U.S. on the lock plate in front of the hammer, which is crisp on the very good condition lock plate. The 42" smooth bore barrel is still marked with V / P / Eagle's Head on the left top of the breech, the correct proof marks for this era. There is just a bit of powder burn around the touch hole and lock plate, so the markings are very well retained. The left side of the stock below the lock screws has a partly faded inspection cartouche, as well as the stamped marking V / P H, definitely an avenue of future research.

The metalwork on this musket has a lovely aged patina, with some areas of past peppering. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. Lock action is very strong and there is little to no slop in the mechanics. The ramrod is still present, and is the correct type. The stock is in very good used condition with the usual scuffs and scratches from storage wear. There is some missing wood to the rear of the lock plate and some cracks towards the front of the lock as well.

A lovely unconverted example of an early American Musket, most likely never reissued for use in the Civil War. Ready to research and display!

Specifications (Musket):-

Year of Manufacture: 1828
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42"
Overall Length: 57 ½"
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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