This Model 1816 Harpers Ferry smoothbore .69 caliber contract musket was converted from flintlock to percussion via the Belgian style alteration, more commonly called the ‘side lug’ conversion. This smoothbore, single-shot musket is in very good, attic condition overall. Barrel surface has light to moderate pitting overall with the heavier pitting at the breech area as normal. Barrel wears a mottled salt & pepper coloring. Barrel secured to stock with three spring bands, with the lower and middle springs in front of the barrel bands. Bore is dark and shows rust pitting and surface grime. Weapon never had a rear sight. Has a front lug sight mounted on the upper barrel band. Barrel bolster area shows heavy rust pitting and traces of the original proofmarks “V / P / eaglehead” are visible. Barrel tang has the date “1840”.

Lockplate is marked “HARPERS / FERRY / 1840” behind the large, curved high-spur hammer and stamped with the small eagle motif / US in front of hammer. Forward end of the flat lockplate is beveled while the rear or tail section is tapered. All metal wears a pleasing dark patina. Dark black appears never clean and has acquired a mellow dark hue overall with just few scuffs and dents to the wood. Visible on some major components are small sub-inspector stamps. Original button-head ramrod retains its threaded tip. Has both sling swivels, one at the middle band and one at the triggerguard. This musket is a great representative M1816 ‘Belgian’ alteration longarm at a great price.

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