Longarm specimen is an original M1816 undated musket made by contractor Marine T. Wickham of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is identified to the ‘Salem Brigade’ of New Jersey.  In 1813, Wickham was a government inspector of arms at a U.S. arsenal, and in later years was listed as a gunsmith in Maryland in the musket manufacturing business.

This flintlock longarm was never converted to cap and ball. Musket is a .69 caliber, single shot muzzleloader that retains all its original parts in very good condition. The iron lock is flat and beveled in the front and slightly rounded at the tail and measures 6¾” long. Lockplate, which is not dated, has a brass flash pan and is marked in front of cock with “M. T. WICKHAM / PHILa.” Maker’s name is in a crescent over the city.

The dark, black walnut stock is in good overall condition and appears to have had a light coat of sealant applied at one time. No repairs visible. Stock does exhibit a single, thin, cartouche on left flat opposite hammer along with the words “SALEM BRIGADE” pressed into stock at two places (near upper triggerguard and underneath shoulder stock), both clearly visible. The identification, ‘Salem Brigade’ most likely represented the militiamen from Salem, NJ at the time. This same unit ID was also used initially by NJ soldiers in the Civil War. Original iron side plate. Barrel breech has stampings at the left side that read “GF / P / US” but no date. Top of barrel breech also shows stamp “S N J” for State of New Jersey. Same state stamping found on stock flat. Stock toe also shows the deep forged stamp “2 R” for the brigade’s second regiment.

Flintlock musket has a 42” long barrel secured to the black walnut stock by three iron bands. As in Type 1 specimens, the lower and center bands have springs located to their front. Upper double band has spring behind band. Also, Type 1 muskets have the lower sling swivel attached to a lug that passes thru and upward in front of large trigger plate.  Iron triggerguard measures 10” long. The original cock, battery (frizzen), battery springs, pan, and screws are original and are in very good condition. Mechanics are very good, tight and crisp.  Original flint and holder in the jaw. Bore is dark with light rust pitting that should clean up nicely. Has original button-head ramrod but tip has been trimmed down.

This contract Wickham musket is a fine M1816 non-altered flintlock musket identified to the ‘Salem Brigade’ and used by N. J. militia in the early 19^th century.

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