Model 1816 Springfield Musket Converted by Hewes & Phillips
Item #: AA3063
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This is a Model 1816 Springfield musket from the Civil War era. The musket was originally a smooth bore .69 caliber flintlock weapon that was converted under government contract by Hewes & Phillips of Newark, New Jersey in 1861. Hewes & Phillips converted approximately 20,000 muskets. This example is one of H&P's type I conversions, using a clean out screw on the bolster. This converted musket measures 57 3/4" in length with a 42" barrel. The barrel has a dark bore with light pitting throughout, but does still have visible rifling. The exterior of the barrel has slight pitting and pin pricking at the breech end, mainly around the nipple. The remainder of the barrel has a smooth, pit free surface that exhibits a reddish brown patina, with some areas of the subdued original finish showing through. The three barrel bands have a matching reddish brown patina. The middle and rear bands have a sub inspectors stamp of S. The barrel has the top bayonet lug applied, the front sight on the rear strap of the double strap front barrel band is missing. The original barrel stamps that remain are a portion of the eagle head and a P within a circle. The replacement breech plug with integral bolster is the reason for the missing original proof of V. Also stamped on the barrel are the letters H&P, for Hewes & Phillips, and N.J for the state of New Jersey. The barrel tang is dated 1861. The lockplate, hammer, trigger guard and butt plate all have the same patina as the barrel and bands. The lockplate is marked SPRING/FIELD/1829 behind the hammer and has an eagle over the letters US forward of the hammer. The action is very crisp and the hammer holds both half and full cock. The hammer strikes the nipple strongly when the trigger is depressed. The trigger guard has rounded finials and is stamped with the letter B. The rear sling swivel is still on the trigger guard bow, the front sling swivel on the middle barrel band. A well worn sling is still attached to the swivels. The side plate opposite the lockplate has the letter S stamped into it. The butt plate has the US markings on the tang, and the letter S at the toe. The button ramrod is still present and has the threaded portion still intact. The dark walnut stock is in good condition. There are the usual bumps and dings from normal handling, and shows no stress cracks or major areas of wood loss. The barrel channel still shows pretty sharp edges. There are two oval cartouches on the left stock flat, one with the initials EY and the other A over the number 2. There is also a small number 3 stamped above the EY cartouche. The bottom of the stock directly behind the trigger guard assembly has the letters AB stamped, along with an oval cartouche with the initials JS. Small letters U and S are stamped into the top of the stock comb just forward of the butt plate tang. This is a good example of an early military musket that could have seen service in the Mexican American war and then been converted for use in the American Civil War. It would make a fine addition to any US military long arms collection.
Shipping Weight:
9 lbs
Item # AA3063
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