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BEAUTIFUL CONDITION WAR OF 1812 US MUSKET

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Between 1809 and 1812 a total of 3.050 muskets were issued to the states the by the Federal Government under the Militia Act of 1808. An additional 4,550 were purchased by the states during this time. The guns delivered by these various contractors were all of the so-called 1808 Contract pattern. All were Charleville Pattern arms; like the first US muskets, design was based loosely on the French Model 1766 Charleville Musket. The guns made at Harpers Ferry and Springfield resembled each other but numerous features were different. The Harpers Ferry sample arms were Model 1795 Type I muskets, and the Springfield sample arms were nominally of the 1795 Types II/Type III patterns. These different samples resulted in variations in the arms delivered by different contractors. This is even more apparent on the contract arms delivered directly to the various states, as these guns were usually not subjected to the same level of inspection and gauging as those guns delivered to the Federal Government for ultimate state distribution by them.

This smooth bore original flint and steel musket has a 44 1/2-inch-long barrel. The bayonet lug is on the bottom of the barrel. The only marking on the barrel is a 1/4 inch high "P" for proved (that is test fired). The touch hole which is just under 1/8-inch diameter illustrates that this arm was well used during its period of service. The barrel shows a couple of minor abrasions but has a wonderful plum brown patina and is pitted only in the proximity of the touch hole. The 3 spring held iron barrel bands are in place as are the early style "coat hanger" sling swivels. The lock plate is unmarked except for an eagle surmounting "US". All components are original including the cock's top-jaw and screw. The frizzen spring has a stress crack running horizontally which does not affect its soundness.  The unmarked black walnut stock is practically flawless with a gorgeous surface patina. The ramrod is an original 1795/1808 ramrod fully threaded and matches the finish on this weapon perfectly but is about 1 inch short.

The musket offered would fit under Reilly's classification as "Unknown Contract Muskets" (refer to his work, United States Martial Flintlocks published by Mowbray Inc.). About these unmaker marked weapons he states: "While we may never learn to whom these unmarked arms should be attributed, they nevertheless represent an important and interesting segment in the production of US contract muskets. The majority were sorely needed and apparently severely used during the War of 1812."  However, the compiler has strong feeling based on 60 years collecting experience that this weapon was made/completed by John Kerlin Jr. The contract was originally given to John Miles Jr. of Borden Town New Jersey. Miles received his contract calling for 9,200 muskets at $10.75 each on July 20th, 1808, but this was reduced to 4000 in 1810. By 1812 2,447 were delivered but Miles defaulted on the remainder and John Kerlin Jr. assumed the contract obligation delivering the remaining 1553 muskets. The Kerlin muskets had no makers name on the tail of the lock plate but had a very distinctive eagle with swept back wings, head pointing to the left, while surmounting an oval with "US" within it. It should be mentioned that this same eagle was used by the Shannons of Philadelphia. So, the jury is out.

This musket's condition would be difficult to top. If you want a great example of a firearm used during the War of 1812 and a multitude of US conflicts following, then this is it.  [pe][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!

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