A distinctive early specimen of the so-called Model 1808 contract musket made by L. Pomeroy & Company of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. This type of state contract musket, often referred to as the ‘transitional Model 1795 and Model 808 contract’ designation, holds no position in the early musket development / production of the US government. During that time period mentioned, private arms contractors supplied the government needs with variations of the so-called Charleville Pattern musket in America. Lemuel Pomeroy gained his first government contract for muskets in mid-1816 and became a prolific maker of these longarms, devoting his entire production to various state contracts, i.e. Massachusetts and the State of New York.

This iron-mounted musket, never altered from flint to cap and ball, is a .69 caliber, single shot smoothbore muzzleloader in very good overall condition. Lockplate wears a smooth, medium gray patina and is strongly stamped with only the mark “S. CT.” (state contract) on the face in front the hammer. This lock terminates in a flat, beveled point with no usual teat at the rear. This arm was likely part of Pomeroy’s New York contract as all of these pieces were attributed to him. Musket has a 39½” long barrel secured to a black walnut stock by three iron bands and three band springs which are in front of the lower, middle and upper bands. Bayo lug rests on top of muzzle 1½” back from tip. All gun metal exhibits a pleasing and smooth surface with just scattered areas of light rust pitting overall. Lockplate wears a dusky, mottled dark gray patina on a smooth surface. Cock screw appears to be a reproduction. Touchhole area heavily pitted.

Barrel tang is not dated. Barrel breech exhibits strong stampings on the upper left facet with “P” and “M” / initials “SJ” and “1813” / “S. CT.” The trigger guard with the ball-shaped strengthening device holds the sling swivel while the middle barrel band supports the second swivel. No cartouche visible on the stock flat. Stamping “E” found on bottom of stock at triggerguard tang. Mechanics are tight and crisp. Bore is dark and dirty. The black walnut stock is in very good condition overall and appears to have been lightly refinished at one time. No cracks or visible repairs. Large iron sideplate is similar to the short pattern plates used on the Brown Bess longarm. Button-shaped ramrod is in good original condition and retains its treaded tip. All other iron components are good with screws sharp; few buggered up. Hammer screw appears to be a reproduction.

This contract musket by Pomeroy is a fine representative early musket that would surely add to any military collection of American longarms.

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