This weapon is a single shot, muzzle loading, .69 caliber smoothbore musket manufactured by A. Waters Jr. of Millbury, Massachusetts. The musket has been converted to percussion by the cone method and comes with a heavy brass buttplate that was once thought to indicate Naval use but recent research has brought that idea into question.

The barrel surface has been cleaned and is bright as is all the iron on the weapon. Barrel surface does have very minor light scattered oxidation in areas. There is no rear sight and the brass blade front sight is mounted on the rearmost of the front double barrel band. The bayonet lug is mounted above the muzzle. As already stated, the musket has been converted by the “cone method” where the top of the barrel was drilled and a nipple screwed in place. Breech area is stamped with a very strong “US” over “JM” over “P.” The same area is also stamped “MS” with barrel date of “1833.” Just forward of the barrel tang and under the hammer is the stamped number “163.” The original nipple is present and in good condition. The bore is clean but does show a slight build up of dust and dirt.

The lock plate matches the barrel in cleanliness but does have a very light dusky patina. It has a rounded and beveled front and a rear that is pointed and flush with the stock. There is a crisp “US” over “A. WATERS” forward of the hammer and an equally strong “MILLBURY 1833” in two vertical lines behind the hammer. Action is excellent. Hammer screw is good.

The wood stock is in good condition and does not appear to have been cleaned. There are numerous small dings and dents consistent with age. There is also a 1.00-inch closed crack running upward from the top edge of the lock escutcheon, but this is minor. The flat opposite the lock has a good single inspector’s cartouche. The stock is also stamped with a number “13” behind the barrel tang and again forward of the buttplate tang.

The heavy brass buttplate has a raised heel that is stamped with the letter “B” on one side while the tang is stamped with a lined-out number “57.” All three bands are held by springs and both sling swivels are present. Rear swivel is mounted on the trigger guard bow with a ball shaped mount. Buttonhead ramrod is present and full length with threaded tip.

With the weapon is a Model 1816 socket bayonet with a dark patina and light pitting on its surface. The blade flat is marked “US” over “SC.” It should be noted that according to Robert M. Reilly’s book “American Socket Bayonets and Scabbards” page 43, it is not known if the “SC” mark is an inspector’s initials or if it stands for South Carolina. Bayonet fits well and does not have a scabbard.

This weapon really has a good look to it and displays very.    [ad][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!