Approximately 200 Nippes contract Maynard lock muskets were on inventory at the Federal Arsenal in the Spring of 1861. Confiscated by the Confederate Government during the outbreak of war and were altered to a percussion system by local gunsmith P. Bouron & Sons of New Orleans. See American Military Shoulder Arms by George D. Moller, page 42, for information on this conversion.

Musket is a .69 caliber, single shot muzzleloader in good condition. Barrel is 42.00 inches long with a bayonet lug mounted below the muzzle and a brass blade front sight mounted on the foremost part of the double barrel band at nose. Barrel surface is bright with small patches of mottling. Between the breech and the first barrel band are several patches of red rust that need cleaning. Barrel date is clearly stamped “1848” on the tang with “US” over “J H” over “P” stamped on the breech. Bore is very clean with only very light scattered dust.

The front of the iron lockplate is rounded with a beveled edge while the back is pointed and flush with the stock.  Forward of the hammer the lock is strongly stamped “D. NIPPES” over a good “US.” Behind the hammer is a strong four-line marking of “MILL / CREEK / PA. / 1848.” Weapon was converted to percussion by the drum method. Original nipple is present in the drum and there is a clean out screw on the drums face. Mechanics are excellent.

The black walnut stock is in good condition overall with just the normal light signs of wear and no visible cracks. There are two inspector’s cartouches on the flat opposite the lock along with a carved letter “P.” The left side of the butt near the buttplate has a small carved letter “H.” Stock still maintains its relative sharpness along the edges.

Both sling swivels are present, one on the large triggerguard and the other on the middle barrel band. Triggerguard, buttplate and all three barrel bands match the rest of the iron surfaces. Buttplate tang has a strong “US.”

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

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