A rare, early specimen of a Model 1795 flintlock musket is a Harpers Ferry Armory (Virginia) longarm dated 1816 in very good condition. These muskets also were called the Harpers Ferry ‘Charleville Pattern’ which had different characteristics from the M1795 Springfield Armory ‘Charleville Pattern’ in Massachusetts. Muskets made at Harpers Ferry proceeded along with their own evolutionally development and were different from those longarms made at the Springfield Armory.

This musket specimen, produced at the Virginia Armory for government use, is one of four basic types of muskets, likely a Type-3 or 4, which evolved there from 1800 to 1815. Never converted to percussion, this .69 caliber, single shot, smoothbore muzzleloader retains its original parts in very good condition. All Harpers Ferry M1795 longarms featured locks with integral forged iron, rounded pans, frizzens with a straight toe, double-necked flat-sided, beveled cock (hammer), and distinctive, bulbous spur or top jaw. Some differences with the H/P Model 1795 are a full black walnut stock with a lower comb with no fluting along the sides. No serial numbers on the barrel.

Triggerguard ends are rounded, not pointed. Musket has a 42” long barrel that is secured to the black walnut stock by three iron bands. The beveled lockplate is slightly longer and has the maker’s stamp “HARPERS / FERRY / 1816” behind the cock. In front is a spreadwinged eagle facing the cock (left) and a shield device within the eagle breast. Barrel has been moderately cleaned and wears a pleasing surface sheen overall. Lockplate wears a dusky, mottled light gray patina on the smooth surface. The original cock, battery (frizzen), battery springs, pan, and screws are original and are in very good condition.  Barrel breech area pitted, shows no date, but has marks “U S” within an oval on left side. No other marks visible. Large trigger guard holds the sling swivel while the middle barrel band supports the second swivel. Iron butt plate tang is unmarked.

Mechanics are excellent, very tight and crisp. Bore is clean with light rust pitting that would likely clean to semi-bright. Retains its original button head ramrod which appears to have been repaired on the shank 3” to 4” from the head. Tip is crudely threaded. The dark, black walnut stock appears to have been cleaned at one time and shows an old 4” long crack below the frizzen spring, crudely repaired. Else in very good condition overall with just normal dings and dents accumulated with service and age.

The Model 1795 musket was the first regulation weapon produced in a national armory and is of great historical significance in that regard. A very nice condition, early Harpers Ferry flintlock, this Model 1795 musket is a fine specimen that would surely enhance any military collection of American longarms.

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