Weapon is a percussion .69 caliber, rifled musket that originally started life as a M1816 smoothbore musket. It was later altered by the Frankford Arsenal and fitted with the new Maynard Type primer locks and percussion bolsters made by the Remington Arms Co of New York. Remington Arms contracted with the government between 1856 to 1859 for 20,000 Maynard primer locks and bolsters and delivered all to Philadelphia’s Frankford Arsenal location. The primer lock device was centered on the lockplate and had a kidney-shaped hinged door while the bolster / nipple was extra-long to fit the Maynard device. A tape or strip of narrow varnished paper holding small dabs of fulminate of mercury was inserted into the hinged door device. When the hammer was cocked, an internal pawl rotated the tape and allowed the fulminate to rest atop the nipple.

All metal surfaces on this rifled musket are uniform in appearance with scattered pitting throughout giving the iron a speckled look.

The round barrel has been rifled so a long range leaf sight is present. Front sight is mounted on front double barrel band. Lug for attaching the bayonet is present on top of the muzzle. Breech has no markings. Original nipple is present with some light surface rust in this area. Bore is very dirty and most likely pitted. Rifling is faint.

Maynard mechanism on the lock works properly. Hinged door also works properly and has the small knob for easy opening and closing. The lock is not has speckled as the rest of the weapon but does show pitting and light surface rust in areas. Only visible markings are a faint “1858” over “US” behind the hammer. Action is excellent.

Untouched dark walnut stock exhibits the usual dings, dents and scratches but nothing major. Wood lines are still well pronounced. Flat opposite lock has two faint inspector’s cartouches.

Iron buttplate has a little heavier pitting but does have a visible “US” stamping. Triggerguard, barrel bands and band springs match the rest of the iron surfaces.

Original button head ramrod is present and is full length with threaded tip. Both sling swivels are present. [ad]

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