Cutdown French Model 1822 Musket Converted to Percussion
Item #: AA3406
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This is a French Model 1822 .71 caliber rifled musket manufactured by an unknown arsenal. It has been converted from a flintlock to percussion ignition and shortened to musketoon length. Originally this Model 1822 measured either 58" or 55.8" overall, with a 42" or 40" barrel. It now has an overall length of 45", with a barrel length of 29 3/4". I'm not sure where the conversion from flint to percussion was done. During the conversion the barrel was rifled and a rear sight added to the barrel. The rear sight has since been removed or most likely knocked off. The barrel on this 4 groove rifled bore gages out at .71 caliber. The bore is dark, and is rusted and pitted along the entire surface. The exterior of the barrel is pretty heavily pitted at the breech and massive bolster, then has scattered pitting up the the front barrel band, then becomes heavy again at the muzzle. It has a black to plum to black patina, working from the breech forward. There is no bayonet lug on the barrel. There is a proof mark on the left barrel flat, but I can't make it out. A shadow from a long range rear sight can be seen on the top of the barrel, a small section of the original brass blade front sight can be seen on the rear strap of the front band. This weapon originally had three barrel bands, now only the front and rear bands remain. They both have a patina matching the barrel. The middle band was omitted when the stock was shortened. The rear barrel band retaining spring is present and complete, the front band spring is missing. There are no sling swivels on the gun. The lock plate is not marked with an arsenal name, but has a small crown over GP stamped just forward of the hammer. The lock plate and hammer have a patina matching the rest of the gun. The mechanics of the lock work fine, holding in half and full cock. The trigger guard matches the patina of the barrel, it's pretty obvious this old war horse has been together for ever. The butt plate is a home made fabrication, being made out of tin and nailed to the stock. The finials on the trigger guard are rounded in shape on the front and the rear. There is no ramrod with this musket. 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 pretty crisp, as is the ramrod channel. There are no inspector cartouches on the stock flat opposite the lock. There are four different stamps on the stock. Starting on the right side just forward of the butt plate is a circular stamp with the letters AR and the year 1847 within. Inside the cheek rest on the right are two stamps, the letters FH and a circle with the letters LH inside. The same circle with LH is stamped on the top of the wrist just behind the barrel tang. 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 is very well executed. This is one of the rarer weapons imported for use during the Civil War, and will enhance any collection.
Shipping Weight:
6 lbs
Item # AA3406
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