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Circa: 1842
Condition: antique. used.
Color: Natural aged wood and iron
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: US Gov.
Author: Harper's Ferry Arsenal
Edition: 1
WE ASK YOU TO PLEASE NOTE: WE CAN NOT ACCEPT PAYMENTS THROUGH PAYPAL FOR ANY OF OUR ANTIQUE FIREARMS. PLEASE PAY BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. THANK YOU. JM
Through the years, I have become extremely attached to my gun collection, but I simply cannot keep every gun I buy, so after many, many years serving as one of the highlights of my collection, I am offering this very special piece of Civil War History for sale. I will miss this fine old rifle. It is a US model 1842 which was made, as marked, at Harpers Ferry in 1850. The date and maker marks are very good; it is the Union marking of an eagle and heavy use and the effects of time have worn the U.S. stamped beneath it that away. The eagle is still visible as is the US mark, but that is where this gun becomes unique. It takes a high-powered magnifier and a sharp eye to see the changes that were made by someone long ago, but they are there. I have no way of photographing an actual magnified close up, but I think if you look closely at the lock photos below, you will see how the top of the U. was carefully scraped and scratched into the shape of a C. I truly believe a Confederate Infantry Soldier carried this musket during the Civil War. The gun has all the correct markings and although it is worn down, the stock still bears the US Inspector's Cartouches that were stamped there in 1850 at Harpers Ferry Armory. Perhaps the soldier was originally with the Federal Army, but chose to join his southern brothers when the war began. The other telltale sign that this gun was used by someone other than a Union soldier is the fact that the stock bears the hand carved initials JHB. It is unlikely a union infantryman would have been allowed to deface his weapon in such a way. Doing so was frowned upon by the commanding officers of the North and would have earned the young man a rather harsh punishment in most cases. As you can see in the pictures, the rest of this rifle is in very good shape for its age and other than the ramrod, which I added because the original was missing, everything you see is original to this old infantry musket. If you want to own a piece of Civil War History that will be an absolute eye opening thrill to those fortunate enough to see it, this my friend is just what you are looking for. Please ask any questions you may have before placing an order for this rifle. I want to make certain the buyer is certain about everything before making their purchase. This gun should not have to travel more than need be. Even with the best packaging, risking something so rare and unique is not something I like to do. JM |
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