This is a conversion of an early military musket, either a Model 1812 or 1816 Springfield musket. The musket was originally a smooth bore .69 caliber flintlock weapon that was converted to percussion. The type of conversion used is know as the drum and nipple, where the drum has been forged directly onto the barrel on this example. This converted musket measures 52" in length with a 35 1/2" barrel. The barrel has a decent bore, needs a good cleaning but is not pitted or heavily rusted. 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 brownish plum patina. The three barrel bands are no longer with this musket, as it has been turned into a half stock shotgun. The barrel is retained to the stock by use of the tang screw and one iron pin. The barrel no longer has a bayonet lug. Provisions for a small bead sight were made to the muzzle end of the barrel, but the bead is no longer present. The barrel now gauges out at .74 caliber, which is just over a 12 gauge. The barrel stamps read from breech to muzzle V, a P within a circle and the letters US, all three strikes being crisp and very legible. The barrel tang is not dated. The lock plate and hammer have the same patina as the barrel. The lock plate is unmarked, and is of the back action type. The action is crisp and the hammer holds both half and full cock. The hammer has a slight drag when the trigger is depressed. The brass trigger guard has an acorn finial at the forward end and a point after the trigger. There is no side plate opposite the lock plate, just a brass escutcheon and screw. The butt plate and nose cap are brass, and have attained the same dark golden patina as the trigger guard. A wooden ramrod has replaced the original one. It is retained by two iron thimbles pinned to the stock. It is brass tipped and has a worm permanently attached to the other end. The medium dark walnut stock is in very good condition. There are the usual bumps and dings from normal handling, and one small stress crack, just forward of the lock. There are no cartouches on the stock anywhere.This is a very nice example of an early military musket that could have seen service in the Mexican American war and the American Civil War, then saw yet another conversion for civilian use as a shotgun. It would make a fine addition to any long arms collection.

Item # AA2457