This is a Model 1842 musket manufactured by the Springfield Armory in 1853. A standard Model 42 is 58" in length and has a 42" smoothbore barrel. This one has been shortened to an overall length of 42" and has a 26" barrel. It is well documented that the Chief of the Confederate Bureau of Ordnance, General Josiah Gorges, ordered that the battlefields in Confederate hands were to be swept clean off all weapons and ordnance, including damaged weapons, and returned to the nearest arsenal for repair and redistribution. This is most likely one of those weapons. The barrel is 4" longer than the standard Cavalry carbine, but this one has one interesting feature that leads me to believe it was intended for Cavalry use. An iron ring has been installed on the trigger guard where the rear sling swivel would normally mount. This one is strikingly similar to the configuration used on the Bilhartz, Hall & Co, Confederate made carbines made in Chatham, Virginia. The barrel is an even dark patina with scattered dark spots over the entire length. There is moderate pinpricking around the bolster area and tang. The smoothbore is turning dark with very minimal pitting and still gages out at .69 caliber. The bayonet lug has even been reinstalled on the bottom side of the barrel. The iron hardware all has the same matching patina of the barrel. The lock is stamped with an eagle over US forward of the hammer and SPRING/FIELD/1853 behind the hammer. The mechanics are strong, the hammer locking in half and full cock. The butt plate is stamped with the letters US on the tang. A ramrod has been shortened to match the barrel length. The stock is in very good condition with no significant wood loss or cracks. There is a small section of wood missing directly behind the bolster, a common occurrence on these percussion muskets. There are no cartouches or any markings on the stock. This is a fine example of a southern armory altered long arm from the Civil War.

Item # AA1301

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