This is a Model 1842 percussion musket produced at the Springfield Armory. The Model 1842 was the first regulation musket made at the Springfield and Harper's Ferry Armories with the percussion ignition system. This was the last smoothbore musket made in .69 caliber and the first weapon made at both National armories that was completely interchangeable parts wise. Between the years 1856 and 1859 several thousand Model 42's were altered, having the barrels rifled. This Model 1842 is in it's unaltered smoothbore original condition. It measures 58" overall, with a 42" barrel. The barrel is still the original .69 caliber. The bore is so bright you need sun glasses to look down the barrel! It is in absolute pristine condition, no pitting or discoloration at all! The exterior of the barrel has the National Bright finish that looks like it was made yesterday, no pitting or flaws at all. It matches all the other iron components, bright and shiny! This model didn't come with a rear sight, just a brass blade front sight on the double strap front barrel band. The barrel has the eagle head, V and P proof marks reading from breech to muzzle that you can see from across the room. There is no date on the barrel tang. The bayonet lug is mounted on the bottom of the barrel. The three barrel bands are present, along with the barrel band retaining springs. The front and rear sling swivels are still with the musket. The lockplate is marked SPRING/FIELD/1844 behind the hammer with an eagle over the letters US forward of the hammer. The action on this weapon is very crisp. The hammer locks in half and full cock and snaps forward when the trigger is depressed. The trigger guard and US marked butt plate have the same bright finish as the rest of the gun. The side plate has the sun inspector letter of S stamped into it. The stock is in it's original unsanded condition. There are only one or two dings from handling. There is absolutely no wood loss or stress cracks anywhere. There are two cartouches on the left stock flat and the letter D is stamped into the stock just behind the trigger guard. A steel tulip head ramrod accompanies this musket. This musket could have seen service in the Mexican war and could have seen service in the American Civil War. My thoughts are that this thing hid out in a time capsule and missed all that fighting. It is without a doubt the best rifle/musket to ever come through the shop! If you desire a museum quality musket to display with your collection this is it!

Item # AA1092

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