French Model 1816 Musket with "Wurttemberg" Conversion Cut Down for Cavalry Use
Item #: AA3344
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This is a French Model 1816 .69 caliber smooth bore musket manufactured by the Charleville Armory in France. It has been converted from a flintlock to percussion ignition and shortened to carbine length. Originally this Model 1816 measured 58" overall, with a 42" barrel. It now has an overall length of 37 1/2", with a barrel length of 22 1/4". The conversion from flint to percussion was done at the former St. Blasien abbey, converted to an arms manufactory and arsenal by the Grand Duchy of Baden. During the 1850's the arsenal converted numerous French Model 1816 and 1822 muskets from flint lock to percussion. During the conversion the barrel was rifled and a rear sight added to the barrel. Many of the conversions retained the original French parts, with only the rear sight, percussion hammer, St Blasien lock and St Blasien percussion bolster being added to the gun. The 22 1/4" barrel on this 5 groove rifled bore gages out at .71 caliber. The bore is turning dark, and is lightly pitted along the entire surface with a couple spots of light rust. The exterior of the barrel is smooth and has a mottled steel gray and brown patina. There is no bayonet lug on the barrel. The left barrel flat is stamped with the year 1821, a crown over D for the Charleville arsenal, and the numbers 858 and 206. A simple block sight has been dovetailed into the barrel 2 1/2" forward of the breech, there is no front sight. A ramrod thimble has been brazed t the bottom of the barrel, but the thimble itself is missing. The rear barrel band is the only remaining band, and has a patina matching the barrel. The forward and center bands have been omitted when the stock was shortened. The rear barrel band retaining spring is present and complete. There are no sling swivels on the gun. The lock plate is marked St.BLASIEN forward of the hammer and has no other stamps. The lock plate and hammer have a patina matching the barrel. The mechanics of the lock work fine, holding in half and full cock. The trigger guard and butt plate match the patina of the barrel, it's pretty obvious this old war horse has been together for ever. The finials on the trigger guard are tear drop in shape on the front and rounded on the rear. A cutdown iron ramrod comes with the gun, and appears to be original to it. The stock has no major issues. The normal bumps and dings are present from handling, but there are no cracks anywhere. The barrel channel is still very crisp, the ramrod channel is some what irregular though. There are no inspector cartouches on the stock flat opposite the lock. The number 1855 is stamped on the right side stock, indicating the year of conversion. All the screw heads are marked with the number 14 except the rear trigger guard and butt plate tang screw. They are both marked with the number 37. This gun is one that was most likely purchased by Marcellus Hartley, of Schuyler, Hartley & Graham out of New York. I have no idea where the cut down took place, but it very well executed. This is one of the rarer weapons imported for use during the Civil War, and will enhance any collection.
Shipping Weight:
5 lbs
Item # AA3344
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