This longarm is a U.S. M1817 Common Rifle produced by contractor Henry Deringer of Philadelphia, PA. Under contract with the government, Deringer converted some 13,000 such flintlocks to percussion rifles with the ‘drum’ or ‘French’ style system. This is one of them.

Weapon measures 51¼” in total length with mountings that are iron and that show scattered areas of pitting and dark oxidation. Round barrel is 36” long and is .58 cal. Surface is semi-bright with hints of the browned lacquer finish. Front has a worn down blade sight and the rear sight is an iron notch. Barrel breech is stamped “L S US / P” with the tang marked with “1828.” Bore is dirty and needs scrubbed. No signs of rifling.

Lockplate has a dark patina and is stamped with a small “US” over “DERINGER / PHILADA” in front of the hammer and dated “1828” behind the hammer. Hammer is the typical civilian style with the flat side. Original nipple looks to have been pounded down over the years by dry firing. Mechanics are strong and work properly.

The full length, black walnut stock is in fair to good condition overall. Right side of butt has a large 4½” x 2” oval, iron patchbox. Inside of the patchbox are the carved initials “AK.” Left side of butt has initials “SP” scratched into the wood. There is no visible cartouche on the flat. Chipping is present around the barrel tang and the ramrod channel. Left side has small crack running from top lockplate screw forward to stock edge. Approximately 0.25 inch long. Sideplate and frame screws are good. Barrel tang screw is worn.

Buttplate tang has muddled “US” stamping. Weapon retains its original brass head ramrod with threaded tip. All three iron barrel bands are present. Center band has sling swivel while the triggerguard mounts the second swivel on the grip.

This type of musket did see use in the Civil War. From the appearance of the nipple and the bore this weapon was used a good bit by someone.  [ad]

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