Model 1816/1822, Harpers Ferry, 1837, Conversion, Sporterized, Smoothbore Musket

[smithy]

We've been scouring the classifieds for authentic Harpers Ferry (HF) muskets for a while now, but we haven't been able to justify funds to secure one when needed. Unless we sell something like a car, finding a perfect, genuine HF musket isn't feasible. So, we've adjusted our expectations to include any nearly complete or partially assembled muskets under $500. We've tried our luck at numerous auctions without success until we finally won a sporterized musket from New York, which we've fondly named Baby Harper.

Advertisement Images - Before Reconditioning:

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The musket was listed alongside modern shotguns, which could have helped avoid some competition. Perhaps a bit of luck was on our side as well. Persistence definitely pays off. Including shipping the total price was roughly $150 under budget!

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Even though we bought it from three photos in an advertisement and assumed it was far from its original condition, possibly even a fake, we believe it was a good purchase just based on the image of the lock plate and parts. We're here to learn, and we're excited about picking this one up. I'm sure there were serious collectors that winced at the sight of this sporter in the add.

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[smithy]

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In late December 2024, we welcomed "Baby Harper" into our collection! She's definitely been sporterized, with several broken components, the lock is ceased, and the wooden stock is cracked in numerous spots. The finish is rough, appearing as though the parts were browned at some point, and we suspect it was painted over, probably for use as a wall hanger. The barrel, while in fairly good condition, is shorter than we initially hope. However, the most exciting part is that we believe she could potentially be made functional again. Our goal is to recondition her to working order.

The musket features a shortened 28-inch barrel. Before we delve into what we should do next, it would be beneficial to start a discussion thread about the history of Harpers Ferry related to this musket.

[smithy]

Given initial details, this musket appears to be a modified version of the Model 1822/28 Harpers Ferry musket, with the barrel significantly shortened and potentially other alterations for personal or hunting use. Comparing this musket to these original specifications will give us a clear picture of the modifications made over time.

Original 1822 Musket (how it likely looked):

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Historical Context:
Production: The Harpers Ferry Armory, located in what is now West Virginia, was established in the late 18th century and was one of the primary U.S. government armories for producing military arms. The musket you describe would be from the era when the armory was transitioning from flintlock to percussion systems, reflecting advancements in firearm technology.
Model 1822/28: The musket's lockplate suggests it could be based on the Model 1822 Musket, which was later updated in 1828 to improve parts standardization. This model was designed to replace the older Model 1816 and was part of the evolution towards interchangeable parts in U.S. military firearms.

Technical Specifications (Original Configuration):

• Caliber: Originally, these muskets were .69 caliber, which was standard for U.S. infantry muskets of the time.

• Barrel Length: The original barrel length for the Model 1822/28 was typically around 42 inches, significantly longer than the 28 inches on the musket, indicating this barrel has been altered.

• Length Overall: With the original 42-inch barrel, the total length would have been around 56-58 inches.

• Ignition System: The Model 1822 started as a flintlock but was later converted to percussion ignition, which this musket features. The conversion usually involved inserting a cone into the breech end of the barrel for the percussion nipple, replacing the hammer, and removing the pan and frizzen. This was done between 1849 and 1854 for many of these muskets, but the lockplate date suggests the lock itself could be from an earlier production.

• Lockplate: Marked with "HARPERS/FERRY/1837" at the tail and the national eagle above "US" forward of the hammer, indicating it was made or at least the lock was produced in 1837 at Harpers Ferry.

• Stock: Would have been a full-length walnut stock, extending the full length of the barrel, secured with three barrel bands.

• Bayonet: The original was equipped with a lug for a socket bayonet near the muzzle (missing on this musket).

• Ramrod: Included an iron ramrod stored beneath the barrel in the stock.

• Sights: Simple front sight, no rear sight in the traditional sense, though some might have had a rudimentary rear sight or none at all.

• Service: These muskets were used up through the American Civil War, often after being converted to percussion. They were issued to both Union and Confederate forces, highlighting their longevity and the necessity to make use of existing stocks during wartime.

• Conversion: The conversion to percussion cap ignition was a significant upgrade, making the muskets more reliable and easier to maintain than flintlocks, especially in various weather conditions.

[smithy]

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The Harpers Ferry Arsenal played a significant role in the production and conversion of the U.S. Model 1816/1822 muskets, which were among the standard-issue firearms for American military forces during the early 19th century. These converted Model 1816/1822 muskets from Harpers Ferry are significant for showcasing the evolution of American firearm manufacturing and adaptation practices during this period.

More information about Harpers Ferry Arsenal: Harpers Ferry Arsenal

[smithy]

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This musket has already been modified into a sporterized version; its lock is ceased and painted over. We've decided to clean it up as thoroughly as possible without using abrasives to restore its functionality and to refinish it for long-term preservation. Additionally, we're considering replacing the current stock with a custom one, as we doubt the authenticity of the existing stock at first glance, and frankly, the musket looks awkward in its current half-stock form. That path is TBD.

• Conversion from Flintlock to Percussion: The Model 1816/1822 muskets, originally designed with flintlock mechanisms, were converted to percussion ignition during the mid-19th century, particularly in response to the obsolescence of flintlock systems and the need for more reliable firearms during conflicts like the American Civil War. The percussion system was more reliable and less susceptible to weather conditions.

The bolster alteration method refers to one of several techniques used to convert flintlock muskets to percussion ignition systems, particularly relevant for the U.S. Model 1816/1822 muskets produced at Harpers Ferry Armory, which were later converted around 1837.

The barrel's breech was completely cut off and substituted with a newly fashioned segment, which included a bolster equipped with a cleanout screw and nipple. A hammer, tailored to the new configuration, was then fitted.

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• Impact on the Musket: This conversion significantly altered the musket's appearance and function:
  The lock plate would be modified, often by grinding down the pan area or filling it with additional metal, and a new hammer (percussion hammer) would replace the flintlock hammer.

• The addition of the bolster might require some reshaping of the wood around the lock area to accommodate the new parts.
  The musket's performance would be enhanced due to the more reliable ignition of the percussion cap system.

• Historical Context: This method was part of a broader effort to update existing military armaments without the need for completely new manufacture, which was both time-consuming and resource-intensive. The Harpers Ferry Armory, being one of the principal U.S. armories, used this conversion method among others to modernize their stock of muskets.

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Assembly Number "8": According to our information, muskets from Harpers Ferry, especially those related to the Model 1822 were often stamped with an assembly number. The "8" mark is noted as an assembly number appearing on nearly every part of a specific musket, including band springs and screw heads. This practice was part of a system aimed at ensuring parts interchangeability and tracking during assembly or for pattern muskets.

Based on the available information, we found no direct mention of an "LL" or crescent marks specifically relating to a contractor performing bolster musket alterations.

An "LL" mark could potentially be:

• A contractor or inspector's initials not detailed in the provided sources, as many such marks were used but not all are comprehensively documented.

• A unique or less known marking for a specific alteration process or batch, especially if it was done by a lesser-known contractor or in a context not widely covered in historical records.

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There are also what appear to be individual inspector or batch numbers on the underside of the barrel roughly in the middle of what is left of the barrel length. The numbers "1", "4", and "7" appear and at different angles.

If you have more verifiable information about these marks, please email us at smith (at) jcastway.com and we'll send you a jcastaway shirt!

[smithy]

Stock Repair