Model 1816 Harpers Ferry Musket Converted by Hewes & Phillips
Item #: AA3314
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This is a Model 1816 Harpers Ferry 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 between 1862 and 1863. Hewes & Phillips converted approximately 20,000 muskets. This example is one of H&P's type II conversions, using a flat sided bolster without a clean out screw. This converted musket measures 58" in length with a 42" barrel. The barrel has a bright bore with virtually no pitting. The exterior of the barrel has very 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 slightly gray National Bright finish. The three barrel bands have a patina matching the barrel. All three bands have a sub inspectors stamp of 8, with the front double strap band also being stamped 75/1. This same set of assembly numbers are found on the inside of the lock and the bottom of the barrel. The barrel has the top bayonet lug applied. There are no proof marks showing on the barrel, with that section of the original barrel being removed for the H&P breech conversion. The barrel tang is not dated. The lockplate, hammer, trigger guard and butt plate all have the same patina as the barrel and bands. The lockplate is marked HARPERS/FERRY/1838 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 cone of the nipple has been smashed flat and would need replacing if one wanted to fire this weapon. The flat on the top of the lock is stamped with the number 143. The trigger guard has rounded finials and is stamped with the same sub inspector number 8. The rear sling swivel is still on the trigger guard bow, the front sling swivel on the middle barrel band. The side plate opposite the lockplate has the number 8 stamped into it, as does the forward lock screw. The butt plate has the US markings on the tang, and the number 8 just behind the upper butt plate screw. Both butt plate screws are also stamped with the number 8. The button head 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. There is one stress crack that runs from the rear of the right stock flat and back under it for approximately 2". There are no major areas of wood loss. The barrel and ramrod channels still shows very crisp edges. There are no visible cartouches on the left stock flat. This is a fine 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. This is one of Hewes & Phillips conversions for the US government, and not for the state of New Jersey. It would make a fine addition to any US military long arms collection.
Shipping Weight:
9 lbs
Item # AA3314
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