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 a dark plumb brown throughout.

The round barrel has been rifled but no rear sight is present. Front sight is mounted on the double barrel band at front. Lug for attaching the bayonet is present on top of the muzzle. Breech has New Jersey mark of “N.J.” on the left flat. Nipple is replacement. Bore has good rifling and light dirt.

Maynard mechanism access door is frozen shut so the operation of the inner workings cannot be commented on. Action works well. Hammer screw looks to have been cleaned or is replaced. Markings behind the hammer are present but difficult to read due to dark patina. Markings read “REMINGTON’S ILLION, N.Y. 1858 U.S.” Lock is rounded front and back and beveled throughout.

Walnut stock exhibits the usual dings, dents and scratches but nothing major. Its surface is a combination of lights and darks. The wood is finished light but does have dark age spots throughout. Wood lines are good. Flat opposite lock has one faint inspector’s cartouche.

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

Original button head ramrod is present but is stuck in the channel. Head has recess for loading conical bullets.  [ad]

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