Hi Guys,
Found this at the Ohio Gun Collector Association show last weekend. The gun is a original .69 caliber model of 1840 Musket made at the Springfield Armory. Essentially the last of the muskets based on the French Charleville it was also the last of the flintlock weapons made by the US Government. Most were converted to percussion cap, and rifled with two grooves, so to find a example that is still a smoothbore flintlock is a delight. From the Mexican War to the US Civil War I am humbled by the history that passed before this gun.
In the first shot you can see the lock, dated 1841. You can also tell the previous owner polished off all the patina. He is big on Flitz now but listed off every thing he had used over the 60 plus years he owned it... pity but it did keep it from rusting, he has vaseline in the barrel, which is in beautiful shape. The fellow was well up in his 80s and bought the gun at an OGCA show in 1947. He could barely carry it, with a tremor in his hands as he passed it to me to look at... Sadly none of his kids had an interest in his antique guns. I hope my children will be more appreciative of such treasure.
Shot two shows the top, if you look hard you will again see the 1841 date, as well as the Springfield Eagle and the Verified Proof stamp.
Shot three shows the length of this heavy monster. Condition considering her 169 years is amazing. I have to hand it to the fellow he preserved her well.
A very neat piece of American history.
Found this at the Ohio Gun Collector Association show last weekend. The gun is a original .69 caliber model of 1840 Musket made at the Springfield Armory. Essentially the last of the muskets based on the French Charleville it was also the last of the flintlock weapons made by the US Government. Most were converted to percussion cap, and rifled with two grooves, so to find a example that is still a smoothbore flintlock is a delight. From the Mexican War to the US Civil War I am humbled by the history that passed before this gun.
In the first shot you can see the lock, dated 1841. You can also tell the previous owner polished off all the patina. He is big on Flitz now but listed off every thing he had used over the 60 plus years he owned it... pity but it did keep it from rusting, he has vaseline in the barrel, which is in beautiful shape. The fellow was well up in his 80s and bought the gun at an OGCA show in 1947. He could barely carry it, with a tremor in his hands as he passed it to me to look at... Sadly none of his kids had an interest in his antique guns. I hope my children will be more appreciative of such treasure.
Shot two shows the top, if you look hard you will again see the 1841 date, as well as the Springfield Eagle and the Verified Proof stamp.
Shot three shows the length of this heavy monster. Condition considering her 169 years is amazing. I have to hand it to the fellow he preserved her well.
A very neat piece of American history.