The last of the .69 caliber U.S. long arms, the Model 1842 was also the first percussion arm made at the national armories and a big step forward in having fully interchangeable parts even though manufactured at both Springfield and Harpers Ferry. These muskets saw active service in the prewar army in the early west and throughout the Civil War in the hands of volunteers on both sides, with some 172,000 out of the total of 275,000 being made at Springfield.

This one rates about excellent. The wood shows good color and surface, with sharp edges and a visible cartouche on the offside flat. The metal was lightly cleaned, keeping the musket in the bright, as they were issued, and preserving the markings. The lockplate markings are fully legible, with SPRING/FIELD/1853 aft of the hammer and a Springfield eagle over US forward of the hammer. The breech plug tang has a matching, sharp 1853 date, and the barrel shows crisp V/P/[eagle head] stamps at left breech. There is a slight bit of gray “freckling” on the bolster, tip of the hammer, breech near the nipple from firing, otherwise the metal is smooth and bright with just scattered minute gray spots. Bands, springs, swivels, and rammer are in place and matching in condition. The mechanics are good and the bore is excellent.

The left side flat shows an impressed “43,” a rack number showing the musket was actually used, though not abused. This is a very nice Model ‘42 that would add to a US long arms collection or display very well with a crisp set of early war infantry accoutrements.  [sr]

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