This antique U. S. Model 1816 musket was made circa 1826. Originally issued as a flint lock musket, most of the U. S. Model 1816 and later muskets were converted to percussion and issued for use during the Civil War. The lock, barrel, and steel hardware were originally issued with an armory bright polished finish. All of the surfaces are painted black, with the exception of the lock plate and sideplate. The walnut stock has many dents, marks, and some chipping along the ramrod channel. We did not find any cracks or repairs to the stock. The bore is dark and heavily pitted. Weight is 8.7 pounds with a 13-3/8" trigger reach.

The .69 caliber smooth bore barrel is 42" from the muzzle to the breech. With well over 170 years of use the bore of the barrel is dark and very rough with deep pits. The view and proof marks at the breech are barely visible due to the textured patina from corrosive antique musket caps. During the conversion to percussion the vent hole was plugged and a bolster was added to the side of the barrel. No rear sight is fitted, which is a correct detail on a .69 caliber U. S. Musket from this period. Forward the barrel bands hold the barrel to the stock, we note the front barrel band is missing. A small lug is installed for attachment of a bayonet near the muzzle.

Our bottom view reveals the rounded toe of the walnut stock and the steel triggerguard that as been painted black. The rear sling swivel is mounted to the forward boss of the triggerguard. The front swivel was originally mounted to a lug on the bottom of the middle barrel band, but is missing. Again note the condition of the stock, this musket has seen many years of handling and use. The cartouche mark is barely visible on the side panel. The steel ramrod has also been painted black. A military style steel sideplate is inlet flush into the stock, to accept the two lock bolts.

The lock plate is marked US over WATERS. The hammer is painted black and the plate has aged to a speckled brown patina. Note the markings also found on the tail of the lock, in two lines it reads MILLBURY /1826, giving the location and date of its manufacture. The lock goes into half-cock, but it does not hold the full-cock position. The original nipple is rusted into the bolster.

An interesting late Model 1816 musket with conversion to percussion. The bore is dark and heavily pitted. The lock does not go into the full-cock position. This musket is sold as-is and this example would make a great display piece for decorator use. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.