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.

The round barrel has a semi-bright surface with moderate mottling throughout but no pitting. Proper long range rear sight with long flip-up leaf and sliding appture is present. The iron blade 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.” and “1857” on the left flat. Top of the breech is crisply stamped “1858.” Nipple is original. Bore is clean with excellent rifling. Weapon is 1 of 2000 converted for the State of New Jersey.

Lock has a lightly cleaned semi-bright appearance with some light oxidation in small areas. Lock has rounded edges front and back and is beveled along its edge. Maynard access door works properly as does the mechanism inside. Action works well. Hammer screw looks good. Markings behind the hammer are strong and read “REMINGTON’S ILLION, N.Y. 1858 U.S.”

Walnut stock exhibits light dings and scratches but nothing major. There is one small closed crack behind the lock less than 0.50 inch long. The stock surface is a combination of lights and darks. The wood is finished light but does have dark spots from handling. Wood lines are good. Flat opposite lock has one inspector’s cartouche.

Iron buttplate has heavy mottling and does have a good strong “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 and complete with threaded tip. Head has recess for loading conical bullets. [ad]

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