This is a Model 1842 percussion musket produced at the Harpers Ferry 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 turning dark and has some light rusting, but no severe pitting. The exterior of the barrel has the brown finish with light pitting around the breech and bolster area. All the other iron components match the barrel patina. 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 with the eagle head being very faint. The date on the barrel tang can only made out as 51, the 18 is no longer visible. 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 HARPERS/FERRY1851 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 brown finish as the rest of the gun. The stock is in it's original unsanded condition. There are a couple of bumps and dings from normal handling. The edges are nice and crisp. There is absolutely no wood loss or stress cracks anywhere. There is one faint cartouche on the left stock flat. The initials JP are carved into the right stock comb. The left stock comb has some lighter lettering scratched into it. A steel trumpet head ramrod accompanies this musket, but appears to be a replacement. While this musket did not see service in the Mexican war, it most probably saw service in the American Civil War. It's a fine example of an early Civil War musket used by both sides, and will fit into any collection.

Item # AA1158

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