This original antique U. S. Model 1817 Common Rifle is marked R. Johnson, U. S. and Midd. Conn. on the lock plate. The U. S. Model 1817 was designed with a 36" length .54 caliber rifled barrel, and a bit more drop in the stock than the earlier U. S. Model 1814 Common Rifle. Pattern rifles were made at Harper's Ferry Arsenal, then delivered to four contractors: Henry Deringer (sometimes spelled Derringer), Johnson, North, and Starr. Johnson was one of the smaller contractors with 5000 rifles in the first contract from 1819 to 1823, and 3000 rifles from the later R & JD Johnson contract from Dec. 1823 to 1828. The lock plate marking would indicate the earlier contract with a delivery during 1824. Some references note that the contract was finished in December 1823, while the 1824 date on the barrel and lock would indicate a later delivery. Subsequent contracts from this maker have the locks marked R & JD Johnson, with a different marking across the tail of the lock.

The three iron barrel bands, and round faced lock with brass pan are very similar in design to the more frequently encountered U. S. Model 1816 Musket. This rifle had a reputation for grace, balance, and good design. Originally made to accept the same bayonet as the U. S. Model 1816 Musket, that feature was later dropped. Antique arms expert Jesse Melot notes that the 1817 Common Rifle was used up to, and including the Civil War, long after other earlier arms were retired.

The .36" barrel is tapered round. The .54 caliber bore is in exceptional condition for a rifle of this age with a bright bore and seven narrow round bottom grooves. This rifle was apparently well cleaned after use. The barrel is secured with three barrel bands with band springs. The U.S. Martial Shoulder Arms book notes that circa 1840-41 the U.S. military decided that these guns should be refinished with browned barrels and bright barrel bands. The bands have definitely aged to a different tone than the barrel. A low fine blade front and flat top rear sights are mounted to the barrel. The breech end of the barrel has inspection and proof marks on the left side. The top is stamped with the No. 2, and the tang is stamped with the 1824 date.

Our front view shows the black walnut stock, oval iron patchbox which opens correctly to reveal a large cavity with bit and brace marks used to drill the material away still visible. The patchbox has the correct three tools, all U.S. marked: U shaped screw driver, tow worm, and ball puller screw. The stock is has one large repaired crack at the end of the breech plug that extends down to the lock panel. This repair is very visible with wood missing at the end of the plug. Both sling swivels are still mounted. The front swivel lug is mounted to the middle barrel band, and the rear swivel is mounted at the tail of the triggerguard grip rail. The bottom view shows the rounded toe and sleek lines of this early U.S. military longarm. The flared ramrod is fitted with a brass end, a feature that was adopted circa 1811 on the earlier 1803 model rifles and carried over to the 1814 and 1817 pattern rifles. The side panel does have the typical small crack from the breech to the upper lock bolt. The stock has a very faint oval cartouche mark behind the rear lock bolt.

The flint lock has a round face and rounded cock, brass pan, and is similar in appearance to the U. S. Model 1816 Musket lock, except smaller. The flint cock, frizzen, and frizzen spring are noted as having a case hardened finish and all three parts have aged to a different tone than the lock plate which was brightly polished. The plate has a textured patina behind the pan that has partially obscured the R. Johnson name above the eagle. This rifle appears to be in original flintlock and has inspection marks on the backside of the flint cock. The lock does not display any conversion evidence internally, nor does the breech end of the barrel around the vent hole.

This U.S. military rifle is contemporary to the highly collectible American flint longrifles of the Golden Age era. It will make a fine addition to your collection of antique military rifles, muskets and pistols. 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.