Specimen is a seldom-seen, original unaltered Model 1840 musket, dated 1844, made by arms contractor Daniel Nippes of Mill Creek, Lower Marion, Pennsylvania. Produced for the 1845 U.S. Ordnance Department contract, this flintlock longarm was one of some 1800 units delivered and inspected (Joseph C. Bragg and Wm. A. Thornton) but never converted to percussion.

Musket is a .69 caliber, single shot muzzleloader that retains all its original parts in very good, condition. The front of the iron lockplate is raised from the wood stock and exhibits the smooth taper at the left edge. Front of hammer is stamped “D. NIPP…” with the mainspring anchor screw covering the last part of the name. Lockplate is stamped with a four-line marking of “MILL / CREEK / PA. / 1844” behind the hammer. Round sided hammer or cock is undecorated as is the lockplate area above the taper. All gunmetal wears a gray patina with scattered oxidation and light surface dirt. The cock, battery (frizzen), battery springs, pan, and screws are original. No flint under the jaw. Mechanics are excellent.

Barrel is 42.00 inches long with a bayonet lug mounted below the muzzle and a blade type front sight mounted on the foremost part of the double barrel band at nose. Barrel surface is semi-bright with large patches of mottling, dark discolorations and light scattered surface rust and dirt. Barrel date is clearly stamped “1844” at breech with “J H / P” stamped on left side of barrel near breech. Bore is dark with light scattered pitting.  Barrel is secured to the black walnut stock by three iron bands that match the barrel and lock in color of patina.

The black walnut stock is in very good condition overall with just normal dings and dents accumulated with service and age. There are no inspector’s cartouche. Stock still maintains its relative sharpness along the edges. A large trigger guard retains the sling swivel and the middle barrel band retains the other swivel. A large trigger guard retains the sling swivel and the middle barrel band retains the other. Triggerguard and buttplate match the rest of the iron on the gun.

Weapon retains its original trumpet-style ramrod with threaded tip.

A seldom seen, very good unaltered M1840 Nippes contract flintlock musket. [ad]

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