This heavy, full-stock, cap and ball, .69 caliber longarm was originally a M1812 variation or earlier smoothbore flintlock musket converted to percussion possibly by the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia. New Maynard Type primer locks and percussion bolsters made by the Remington Arms Co of New York were used in the process. Remington Arms and other providers 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 with a kidney-shaped hinged door while the bolster / nipple were made 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 internal mechanics work fine.

The musket measures 57½” overall in length and has a 41¼” long round barrel matched to a one-piece stock of black walnut. Left side of patent breech block has the stamping “1856” on the tang. Remnants of original proof marks seen left on barrel cut adjacent to new block. Barrel bore shows moderate pitting and dark oxidation. Breech area has some small nicks on left side barrel.

Stock shows no cartouche on left flat but flat does appears to have had work done. A thin slice of original walnut has been applied to flat area back of side plate. Not sure if it is a factory repair or not. Stock also shows it was custom fitted to the patent breech and shows poor fitting behind bolster. All gunmetal, including the barrel, has been moderately cleaned and wears a medium gray sheen overall. Longarm has no rear sight and a small blade front sight integral with the upper band. Upper band has a spacing cut on the lead band. Furniture is iron including the high spur hammer buttstrap, trigger guard, lockplate, swivels and barrel bands. Iron swivels at the triggerguard and at the middle band are original. Original buttonhead ramrod remains but a portion of the threaded tip is missing.

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