This is a nice specimen of a Model1840 U.S. flintlock musket altered to percussion. The M1840 flintlock was the last standard production model flintlock longarm made. Often referred to as the Model 1835 musket before it was designated the M1840, this longarm was produced at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts and was among the 26,800 original M1840 flintlocks converted to percussion there from 1849 to 1851. This musket is a .69 caliber, single shot muzzleloader with a Belgian conversion. Records indicate that this type of alteration was only performed at the National Armories.

The semi-bright, 42” long steel barrel is free of pitting but does have a light brown sheen except for the muzzle area which is bright. The barrel is secured to the stock with three barrel bands and springs. The front band is the usual double band with a blade sight mounted on the front and ramrod throat on the bottom. Barrel breech has crisp proof marks “VP” with eaglehead on the left breech. Sharp date “1843” visible on the barrel tang. Bore is smooth, dark and dirty.

The lock surface is bright with some small amounts of mottling. Face of lock is marked with “SPRING / FIELD / 1843” behind the long, high-spur hammer and exhibits a sharp American eagle motif over a small US in front of hammer. Mechanics are strong. No rear sight as usual.

Trumpet-style ramrod is present and complete with threads on one end.

Dark walnut stock has a strong single cartouche on left flat and a number “5” done in period script in white paint on the right cheek. Above this is an old paper label with an inked number “5.” Stock has the usual dings and dents consistent with age but there are no cracks.

A wonderful example of a converted M1840.

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