PDA

View Full Version : Model 1842 u.s. Springfield armory percussion musket



Ben H. Wickersham
02-14-2011, 03:24
Good afternoon all,

In the last two years, I have managed to sell or trade all but one firearm in my collection of Springfield Armory long arms. The remaining piece, an 1842 Percussion Musket, has been listed on the gunbroker.com auction for a 14 day run as item # 216245173.

Below is a brief description of the 1842 U.S. Springfield Armory Musket that I have for auction..

The Model 1842 Musket, manufactured by both the Springfield Armory and the Harpers Ferry Arsenal, was the first musket to utilize a percussion ignition system and to have completely interchangeable components. The Model 1842 was the last musket to use the .69 caliber ball and to have a smoothbore barrel. The 1842 was the primary U.S. Army long arm of both the Union and the Confederate armies during the first two years of the War Between the States.

This Model of 1842 has an unmodified 42" barrel, lock plate is marked "SPRING/FIELD/1848" in three vertical lines, barrel tang is dated "1851", barrel left side is stamped with "V/ P/ eagle proof and inspection marks, and the butt plate is stamped "US" ahead of the upper screw. The stock is American black walnut, is oil finished and on the left side flat, has an oval stamp with the initials "ESA", an inspector's cartouche.

Both stock and metal are in very good condition. Stock has no repairs, no chips or cracks, only very light scratches and pressure dents. Metal surfaces have small areas that indicate, black powder residue pitting, tools marks on the barrel and a few areas with spots of brown patina. All screw heads are in excellent condition.

Included is a correct, "U.S." marked, 21" triangular bayonet, a correct "tulip" style ramrod, along with an appropriate (current manufacture) leather sling.

If you have any questions, please fire away.

Best regards,

Ben H. Wickersham

Ben H. Wickersham
02-14-2011, 03:36
Five more digital images of the 1842.

Embalmer
02-16-2011, 07:52
Nice rifle, seems a bit on the high end for a price though. Ive seen near mint examples for 1200-1500.

w10085
08-23-2011, 03:55
I picked up a similar musket a month or so ago. It's not in a nice a shape but I had a chance to take it to the range. Since I didn't want to stress it too much I was using .58 round balls loosely patched with a piece of paper towel to keep the bullet in place. It was fun with about 100 grains of powder behind it! I could keep it on a 2'x3' target at 25 feet with the rough trigger pull. It was very satisfying for the old girl to come to life 167 years after it was made!

Hefights
08-27-2011, 05:35
I saw it there. The stock is beautiful condition.